by Bob Harris
Columnist

Life of a Talk
show Producer

Through my career at KFGO I’ve been called upon numerous times to fill in for producers/call screeners for our daytime talk shows. I can tell you from my experience that while most callers are kind and cordial, there are a few who think the caller screener is just on this side of the devil, (or even the show’s host). Here are some things you should keep in mind when making that call to a radio show:

1. You are going to

be asked your first name.

Why you may ask? No, we are looking for your first name on a F.B.I list. The host will call you by your first name when it’s your turn. Surveys have shown that listeners dislike hearing two things from callers into shows: “Hi How are you doing?” A clique we all use, and “is it my turn?” or “Are you talking to me?” If the host knows your name, “hi Bob, you’re on the air”, we eliminate the latter.

2. What is your topic?

Again, we’re not taking a survey. For example, if a Congressman is on the air talking about the farm bill, we may ask you to call back later because you want to express your feelings on how bad the Vikings are playing. We just want to stay on the topic of the current show segment.

3. Where are you calling from?

Now this you might call a survey. People are always interested in where the calls are coming from. We are only looking for a town, not your street address. Plus, with the expansion computer streaming and the ability to hear shows on your cell phone makes for some interesting locations. Not only in the regions, but on occasion around the world.

And one other item. When you do get on the air with any of our KFGO Hosts, try to have your point ready to present. Go though you thoughts and make it short and concise. If you start repeating yourself you may find the host moving on the next caller. If you should start a shouting match, the host may move on to the next caller. I remember once getting through to the Larry King show on CNN years ago and their call screener had me repeat my comment to her until I got it down to one sentence. “Perfect” she said, “say it just like that.” I was put on hold…come to think of it he never did put me on the air.

Again, I write this for a small handful of people who just can’t grasp what a call screener does during those three hours on the air. One day I’ll try to post a video at my website at KFGO to show you the life of a radio talk show producer/call screener. Feel free to drop me a note with any comments.

bob.harris@mwcradio.com