How are YOU helping your community? I was on air for twenty years and one of the lessons that was engrained in my head over and over by PD after PD was “Stay Local.” I hear it in my sleep: “Mr. Damon I could never go out with you! Stay Local! wait….WHAT?!” I’ve even regurgitated it in my articles here. Yes, it’s pounded into our systems. However, there’s a reason for that.
The difference between you keeping your meat in the seat vs AI Ashley taking over is the fact that you can stay local! You can immediately talk about a heavy snowstorm bashing your listening area. You can stop the music and crack the mic when a devastating event occurs. You are the one the listeners feel close to and trust. That being said, what are YOU doing to help your community?
I’m not talking about toy drives and charity events. What are you doing to help? This doesn’t always have to include raising money. Especially these days, holidays are breaking some, inflation is hurting most, times are tough so it’s hard to get those monetary donations. However, lending a hand when you can will make an impact far larger than you think. Volunteer at the food bank. Help serve meals at a homeless shelter. Contact your mayor and have a sincere discussion on what the community needs.
Getting out into the community isn’t all about prize stops and concert appearances. It’s about showing you care. Be their friend. Show support. Show up at school pep rallies. Stop by a grocery store and help bag groceries (maybe pay for some while you’re there.) Ask to be principal for a day at schools in low income areas.
As on-air talent, you are the voice of your listening area, so be part of your listening area.