| What makes for good news talk radio? That really | | | | host is able to respond to his or her critics without |
| depends on what the listener likes. There are three | | | | sounding petulant or whiny. If they fail to do so, often |
| key aspects that make news radio an important part | | | | their listeners lose respect for them. |
| of daily listening for people: information, entertainment, | | | | The last but also important element to a good radio |
| and involvement. | | | | news program is that it gets its listeners involved in the |
| Information is key when it comes to news talk radio. | | | | discussion, both those that agree and those that |
| The radio talk show hosts need to be informed as to | | | | disagree with what is being said. If a radio host cannot |
| what is important to its listeners. It is vital for a radio | | | | invoke a person to respond or call, he or she will lose |
| host to know of the issues and news that are | | | | intrinsic entertainment value. Radio hosts need to be |
| happening at the moment. People like to know what is | | | | good at touching an emotional chord with their |
| happening. Some people listen because they agree | | | | audience and therefore eliciting calls and loyalty in |
| with the host and others listen so they can argue and | | | | listening. People need to feel that they are heard and |
| present the opposite stance on an issue or problem. | | | | understood or that their opinions can be voiced. |
| Entertainment value is also an important aspect of | | | | So whether you are a fan or a critic of a news radio |
| radio news. People will not listen if they think the hosts | | | | show, the most important thing is that you listen. A |
| are boring. Often, the radio news host has to be quick | | | | radio talk show host is only as good as its listeners |
| on their toes in response to callers. If people agree | | | | participate and stay tuned to what is being said. |
| with them, it is not too hard to respond, but a good | | | | |