Radio plays a key role in sharing information, and during this unprecedented and unsettling time, effective communication and the sharing of accurate data is more important than ever, and your station can play an integral role as it relates to your local communities. In this newsletter, we share the best practices for how your internet radio station can be of help during times such as these.
Your Local Station In a Time of National Crisis
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People rely on both local and national news outlets for information during times of crisis. Personal, relevant information is more effectively communicated through local channels, which includes community Internet radio. Your station could be more relevant to your local area than you think by providing pertinent information and advice to local listeners. Here are some tips on how your station could help during a crisis:
- Share Accurate Information: As a Radio DJ, you have a responsibility to communicate verified information, so it is critical to ensure that you obtain your information from credible and reliable sources, and check your facts before airing.
- Provide Resources to your Audience: Another way to use your platform to help your communities is to provide resources for finding information and/or getting help to your listeners, such as official government media platforms. In addition, Facebook also has a Crisis Response Centre where affected people can let their friends and family know they are safe, find or offer help, and get updates on the latest news and information. You can also check with your community leaders on emergency response contact details which you can communicate to the public.
- Rally Support: During times of crisis, the need to support affected communities increases. Internet radio DJs can use their stations as platforms to reach out to their audience(s) and rally support, such as fundraising efforts, for their communities.
- Interview Community Leaders: Community leaders play a pivotal role in restoring confidence within communities. Interview community leaders remotely and give them an opportunity to provide new and relevant information about the crisis. Additionally, there is the option to field live calls from the community to help them connect in a more meaningful and personal manner.
- Provide Entertainment: In addition to delivering the news, as a Radio DJ, it is also your responsibility to take your audience’s minds off the “serious stuff”. If possible, try to have segments unrelated to the crisis such as music, interviews and more, to provide your community with a bit of normalcy.
- Integrate Your Station and Social Media: Use your social media page as a rallying point for your community to engage with one another, and to provide resources of support to empower them and promote resiliency.
If you don’t have an existing radio station but you are ready to share your valuable content with your community, it’s time to start your own radio station. Click here to learn more.
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