Ideas for Public Radio Broadcasting Shows

If you are starting a public radio broadcasting show, or trying to rebuild one that is faltering, incorporate ideas that will get the local residents interested in tuning in everyday. The trick is to have a wide enough variety of programming that draws in different listeners around the area. Unlike a radio station that caters to just one type of music, your target market includes members of every generation, cultural background, political views or social status.

Span the Generations
If you want a wide variety of listeners, you need to have some variety in your DJs as well. Though it may not be the best idea to put a "Shock Jock" on board (who's main purpose is to offend people), if you have a diverse local listening area try to offer a few different types of personalities for them to tune into throughout the day. For example, an AM news reporter who offers just straight forward traffic, weather and important tidbits of what listeners need to know to start their day, followed by opinion coverage of what's happening. Trade two different people off, every other day, such as a conservative on Mondays and Wednesdays, a liberal on Tuesdays and Thursdays and both together on Fridays to debate the issues.

Showcase Local & National Events
Offer listeners a place to tune in for information on local events, as well as coverage of important national ones. According to "Broadcasting - The History Of Radio" from the Law Library website, though "Detroit radio station WWJ is considered the first commercial radio station in the United States. It began broadcasting on August 20, 1920.", the Pittsburgh station KDKA's "broadcast of the 1920 presidential election results on November 2, 1920, is generally considered to be the beginning of professional broadcasting." It's also a perfect opportunity to get more advertising revenue, during such times as the "What's Cooking This Weekend" segment on Fridays for specials at local restaurants or "Family Day Planner" for fun events for everyone on the weekends.

Get Listeners Involved
Make your listeners feel a part of the ideas for public radio broadcasting. Offer call in shows for political opinions where the community can voice their concerns and questions about what needs to be done to make things better in their neighborhoods. Have specialized segments such as home and garden hour where local experts come in and offer advice to listeners. Include local celebrity guests for DJs to interview and open the phone lines for fans to call in and ask questions. Do a once a week advice show, with a local therapist or columnist, where listeners facing dilemmas in life can call in and get help to deal with them. Something as simple as request shows, where people can dedicate songs to their loved ones, can garner even more ideas for a public radio broadcasting show that is tailored to towards getting more people listening.

Reference:
Broadcasting - The History Of Radio