Tips for talkback radio
You’re on the air!
Here are some tips for those who want to ring up talkback radio programs. Talkback radio is a great way to get your point across. What people say on talkback radio is heard by a lot of people, and decision-makers regard talkback as a good source of information about what the community thinks on an issue.
Getting started
Ringing up a radio program can give you a powerful platform to communicate your concerns, but it can be unnerving. The better prepared and more focused you are, the better you and your key points will come across.
Remember that most talkback programs are looking for ‘controversy’ – these programs are not ‘news’ programs they are ‘entertainment programs’. Expect confrontation, and expect that your time on air will be short!
Don’t be rude to the host. Remember that audience probably likes and identifies with the host, so how you treat him or her will colour their impression of you and the views you express.
Prepare yourself
Be familiar with the format of the show and how the broadcaster operates. How many calls do they take on an issue? How much time do they give to each caller? How sympathetic is the host is on social justice issues generally? Do you know their likely position on rainbow families?
Think about who listens to the program and they listen to the program – these are the people you will be talking to.
Plan what you are going to say – have it written down in front of you. Make sure your message is short and clear. You will not have the opportunity to educate everyone about the finer points of your issue – so don’t even try.
Don’t use jargon or acronyms. Give concrete examples of what you say.
Tell your story and focus on how the issue affects you personally. People are always more interested in the human impact of events/issues than in general principles or rhetoric.
Talk about the positive aspects of being part of a rainbow family, for example the acceptance in the broader community, as well as the negative impacts of the law.
Focus on the personal
The focus of your call to talkback radio should always be how you and your family will be personally affected. Here is a suggested way of raising the issue:
“Hello, my name is ..… and I am ringing in because I am a lesbian mother of two children and am concerned that they are not treated equally by Victorian law.”
Then tell your story, keeping it as straightforward as you can. For example:
“My partner and I have been together 13 years and have a son aged 7 and a daughter aged 4. My partner gave birth to our children, but we both work part-time and share parenting equally. Yet I have no legal relationship with my kids. I can't adopt them, and if my partner died, I wouldn't automatically be considered their guardian. If I die without a will, they aren't entitled to my estate, or my super, or any workcover, transport accident or crimes compensation. Our family has never encountered anything but acceptance at school, childcare or in our local community, and it is time for the law to catch up."
Once you’ve given some basic details, the presenter may have some questions to ask you and you can elaborate further on the impacts, or on what changes are important to you and why.
Make it clear that this is about children's rights, and the fact that your children are not being treated equally.
Focus on your key message – do not get side-tracked by any other callers or the broadcaster’s counter claims or outrageous statements.
End on a positive note and thank the broadcaster.
