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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Hosting a Radio Show
Q: Why would I want to host my own radio show on 1490 WWPR?
People host radio shows for a variety of reasons. Some people -- often professionals like doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, or
financial advisors -- use a radio show to highlight their knowledge, build up local celebrity, and gain clients. These same types of
people may use their shows to promote books, seminars, or other sideline business -- in effect, running ads for themselves during
their own show.
Others use radio shows to entertain or to promote a particular point of view -- political, religious, or otherwise. This more non-
commercial type of show is often supported by advertising, sold by the show hosts themselves. Hosts can even make their radio
show into a business of its own, buying time for a fixed price, and selling ads themselves directly to businesses. The difference is
your profit!
A mixture of these two is always possible as well. You should just be clear in advance what your motivations are, so you can gauge
whether your radio show is meeting your objectives.
Q: So I actually buy my own time on the station?
Yes, that's how it works in most local radio. At 1490 WWPR, we sell time by the hour or half-hour, depending on the time of day.
Ideally, you should buy the same time every week, so that listeners make you part of their daily routine. You can even buy the same
time every weekday, Monday through Friday, depending on availability.
Q: Won't just a one-time radio show be enough?
Probably not. Think of all the times you missed a one-time-only miniseries that you thought you wanted to see! It's the same with
radio. Your objective is to build yourself as a trusted commentator, as well as to be part of your listeners' daily routine. Being in the
same place and time, week after week, is crucial for building an audience. We won't say no to your money, but we want you to be able
to see and measure the results of your efforts!
Q: How do I create a new radio show?
Before you do anything else, listen to existing radio shows that are similar to what you have in mind. Note topics that really interest
you, as well as those that generate callers. Also note boring things that slow a show down. Obviously, you'll want to avoid these
practices. Ask your friends, or even better, people who represent your potential audience, what they like and dislike. They may
confirm your ideas, or give you new ones.
Then make a schedule, which should include a list of topics you'll want to cover or people you want to interview. Make sure you have
enough for at least your first two weeks, since you'll be building an audience, and you just can't rely on callers to fill up the time!
Sometimes you may even want to "prime the pump" by having friends call in to ask questions. This tactic makes potential callers
more comfortable about chiming in.
Q: Should I have a co-host for my radio show?
Having a co-host is a great idea. Radio audiences love hearing a natural conversation, and a co-host gives you someone to talk to
when callers are slow. A co-host can provide a different point of view, or even a completely opposite one. And listeners love to hear
hosts squabble! Just make sure your co-host is someone you respect, and whom you're happy to disagree with. A co-host can also
take over when you get sick, or go on vacation. In summary, two talking heads are better than one.
Q: How should I structure my radio show?
Radio listeners (like TV watchers) enjoy predictability, and predictability comes from structure. This means that your radio show
should have a fast, clear open that explains who you are, an obvious close, and if you have them, commercial breaks at the same
time for each show. (We at 1490 WWPR can help you create a signature sound for your show, so that listeners readily recognize they
have tuned in to your show.) We also recommend you divide your show into segments. This lets you handle a variety of different
topics, and assures the listeners that they will hear about these same topics every day or every week. Remember, predictability is key
if you want people to remember when and why to tune in.
Q: How do I pay for a radio show?
Hosts should always ask themselves how they plan to pay for the show over the long term. If you are a professional using radio to
build your business, the publicity and increased business alone may make the show financially worthwhile. (Of course, if you are
also espousing political views, this publicity might not always have the positive effects that you anticipate!)
If the show is primarily for political, religious, or entertainment purposes, you should be seeking advertisers or sponsors from day
one -- in fact, well before day one. Find businesses that appeal to your type of listener, and ask them to give you a try. For more
information on radio advertising, you should read our Frequently Asked Questions for Radio Advertisers. This will give some ideas on
what makes your show valuable to potential advertisers.
Alternately, you may have a dedicated group of sponsors or donors. Some of our longest-running shows (mostly religious) are
funded entirely through donations. But even so, think about how you can bring these donors value, week after week -- nobody enjoys
a permanent pledge drive.
If potential advertisers aren't really sure, ask them for trade -- that is, to give you something which can give away on air, or barter. You
may even wish to join barter networks like the International Barter Exchange, based in Sarasota.
Q: How do I insert advertising into my radio show?
Radio advertising doesn't have to be the traditional 60-second spot with a silly jingle. ("Spot" is simply radio jargon for a
commercial.) It can be as simple as a statement read by the host, saying: "This show is brought to you by Magnum Motors. Step on
down to their showroom at 14901 Tamiami Trail in Bradenton, where they have special deals on...." Of course, short 30-second ads,
repeated no more than once per hour, also work well. Ideally, advertisers should include a special offer available only to radio
listeners, since that helps them measure the effect of their ads. We can provide assistance if you have more complicated needs.
Q: How do I promote my radio show?
Even before you start the show, talk to people who would be interested in listening to your radio show. Talk to friends in your social,
political, or religious groups, and tell them in advance where and when you'll be on. If a group has your ideal listener, visit it! Also,
write a press release and send it to the Bradenton Herald, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the St. Petersburg Times, or any other
newspapers in the Tampa Bay area geared to your audience.
Some hosts also maintain a website, sponsor local events, advertise in local newspapers, or put up signs along major roadways.
We at 1490 WWPR can also run teasers (short radio ads promoting your show) in advance of your new show, display your profile and
picture on our website, and link to your website. What works really depends on your audience -- just ask yourself where your
audience gets information and reads ads!
Q: Why should I host my radio show on 1490 WWPR?
First, there just aren't that many stations in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to local radio. Most other local stations are owned by
companies based in far-off places like Texas or New York, which means most programming decisions are made elsewhere. So you
hear a lot of national radio shows, but little local content, if any. At 1490 WWPR, however, we are dedicated to local radio. We are
locally owned and operated, and we have no intention of changing that.
Second, we believe in stability. Some stations get new owners every few years; others love switching formats at the drop of a hat; still
others boot show hosts for no apparent reason. In contrast, we try to provide stability for our hosts and listeners.
If you're wondering whether you can commit to a particular station, ask the station a few questions:
We're happy to answer these and any other questions you have about WWPR-AM. Just ask!
Q: What cities does 1490 WWPR reach?
We reach a lot of the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Palmetto. To get an idea of our
broadcast range, see our coverage map (appears in new window). Note that radio waves can be affected (or enhanced) by some
topographic features, so if you really want to check on a spot, go there and tune in.
Q: So how do I get started with my own radio show?
Contact us at (941) 761-8843! Tell us your show idea, and we'll explain how it all works.
Q: Why would I want to host my own radio show on 1490 WWPR?
People host radio shows for a variety of reasons. Some people -- often professionals like doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, or
financial advisors -- use a radio show to highlight their knowledge, build up local celebrity, and gain clients. These same types of
people may use their shows to promote books, seminars, or other sideline business -- in effect, running ads for themselves during
their own show.
Others use radio shows to entertain or to promote a particular point of view -- political, religious, or otherwise. This more non-
commercial type of show is often supported by advertising, sold by the show hosts themselves. Hosts can even make their radio
show into a business of its own, buying time for a fixed price, and selling ads themselves directly to businesses. The difference is
your profit!
A mixture of these two is always possible as well. You should just be clear in advance what your motivations are, so you can gauge
whether your radio show is meeting your objectives.
Q: So I actually buy my own time on the station?
Yes, that's how it works in most local radio. At 1490 WWPR, we sell time by the hour or half-hour, depending on the time of day.
Ideally, you should buy the same time every week, so that listeners make you part of their daily routine. You can even buy the same
time every weekday, Monday through Friday, depending on availability.
Q: Won't just a one-time radio show be enough?
Probably not. Think of all the times you missed a one-time-only miniseries that you thought you wanted to see! It's the same with
radio. Your objective is to build yourself as a trusted commentator, as well as to be part of your listeners' daily routine. Being in the
same place and time, week after week, is crucial for building an audience. We won't say no to your money, but we want you to be able
to see and measure the results of your efforts!
Q: How do I create a new radio show?
Before you do anything else, listen to existing radio shows that are similar to what you have in mind. Note topics that really interest
you, as well as those that generate callers. Also note boring things that slow a show down. Obviously, you'll want to avoid these
practices. Ask your friends, or even better, people who represent your potential audience, what they like and dislike. They may
confirm your ideas, or give you new ones.
Then make a schedule, which should include a list of topics you'll want to cover or people you want to interview. Make sure you have
enough for at least your first two weeks, since you'll be building an audience, and you just can't rely on callers to fill up the time!
Sometimes you may even want to "prime the pump" by having friends call in to ask questions. This tactic makes potential callers
more comfortable about chiming in.
Q: Should I have a co-host for my radio show?
Having a co-host is a great idea. Radio audiences love hearing a natural conversation, and a co-host gives you someone to talk to
when callers are slow. A co-host can provide a different point of view, or even a completely opposite one. And listeners love to hear
hosts squabble! Just make sure your co-host is someone you respect, and whom you're happy to disagree with. A co-host can also
take over when you get sick, or go on vacation. In summary, two talking heads are better than one.
Q: How should I structure my radio show?
Radio listeners (like TV watchers) enjoy predictability, and predictability comes from structure. This means that your radio show
should have a fast, clear open that explains who you are, an obvious close, and if you have them, commercial breaks at the same
time for each show. (We at 1490 WWPR can help you create a signature sound for your show, so that listeners readily recognize they
have tuned in to your show.) We also recommend you divide your show into segments. This lets you handle a variety of different
topics, and assures the listeners that they will hear about these same topics every day or every week. Remember, predictability is key
if you want people to remember when and why to tune in.
Q: How do I pay for a radio show?
Hosts should always ask themselves how they plan to pay for the show over the long term. If you are a professional using radio to
build your business, the publicity and increased business alone may make the show financially worthwhile. (Of course, if you are
also espousing political views, this publicity might not always have the positive effects that you anticipate!)
If the show is primarily for political, religious, or entertainment purposes, you should be seeking advertisers or sponsors from day
one -- in fact, well before day one. Find businesses that appeal to your type of listener, and ask them to give you a try. For more
information on radio advertising, you should read our Frequently Asked Questions for Radio Advertisers. This will give some ideas on
what makes your show valuable to potential advertisers.
Alternately, you may have a dedicated group of sponsors or donors. Some of our longest-running shows (mostly religious) are
funded entirely through donations. But even so, think about how you can bring these donors value, week after week -- nobody enjoys
a permanent pledge drive.
If potential advertisers aren't really sure, ask them for trade -- that is, to give you something which can give away on air, or barter. You
may even wish to join barter networks like the International Barter Exchange, based in Sarasota.
Q: How do I insert advertising into my radio show?
Radio advertising doesn't have to be the traditional 60-second spot with a silly jingle. ("Spot" is simply radio jargon for a
commercial.) It can be as simple as a statement read by the host, saying: "This show is brought to you by Magnum Motors. Step on
down to their showroom at 14901 Tamiami Trail in Bradenton, where they have special deals on...." Of course, short 30-second ads,
repeated no more than once per hour, also work well. Ideally, advertisers should include a special offer available only to radio
listeners, since that helps them measure the effect of their ads. We can provide assistance if you have more complicated needs.
Q: How do I promote my radio show?
Even before you start the show, talk to people who would be interested in listening to your radio show. Talk to friends in your social,
political, or religious groups, and tell them in advance where and when you'll be on. If a group has your ideal listener, visit it! Also,
write a press release and send it to the Bradenton Herald, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the St. Petersburg Times, or any other
newspapers in the Tampa Bay area geared to your audience.
Some hosts also maintain a website, sponsor local events, advertise in local newspapers, or put up signs along major roadways.
We at 1490 WWPR can also run teasers (short radio ads promoting your show) in advance of your new show, display your profile and
picture on our website, and link to your website. What works really depends on your audience -- just ask yourself where your
audience gets information and reads ads!
Q: Why should I host my radio show on 1490 WWPR?
First, there just aren't that many stations in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to local radio. Most other local stations are owned by
companies based in far-off places like Texas or New York, which means most programming decisions are made elsewhere. So you
hear a lot of national radio shows, but little local content, if any. At 1490 WWPR, however, we are dedicated to local radio. We are
locally owned and operated, and we have no intention of changing that.
Second, we believe in stability. Some stations get new owners every few years; others love switching formats at the drop of a hat; still
others boot show hosts for no apparent reason. In contrast, we try to provide stability for our hosts and listeners.
If you're wondering whether you can commit to a particular station, ask the station a few questions:
- Who owns this station? Where is that company based?
- If the station isn't managed by the owner, who manages this station? Where is that person or company based?
- If the station is managed under a "local marketing agreement" (LMA), how long is that agreement good for? Can I see the
contract? (The contract is public record, and must be kept in the station's public files. If it is not there, you should be
concerned.) - What are the owner's intentions for the station? Could it be sold tomorrow?
- What is the condition of the equipment?
- What assistance can you provide me?
We're happy to answer these and any other questions you have about WWPR-AM. Just ask!
Q: What cities does 1490 WWPR reach?
We reach a lot of the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Palmetto. To get an idea of our
broadcast range, see our coverage map (appears in new window). Note that radio waves can be affected (or enhanced) by some
topographic features, so if you really want to check on a spot, go there and tune in.
Q: So how do I get started with my own radio show?
Contact us at (941) 761-8843! Tell us your show idea, and we'll explain how it all works.