5 Uncommon Radio Show Prep Sources

5 Uncommon Radio Show Prep Sources

1. Reddit Random and Trending – Reddit’s front page is practically a show prep requirement but the social news website’s content goes much, much deeper. Two more links to check out are “Trending Subreddits” and whatever comes up when you click “Random”.

2. Letters to the Editor – I scan the Letters to the Editor section of my local newspaper almost every day. They’re a great way to see what people right in your local community find important. National stories like a political scandal, a terrorist attack or even a box office blockbuster can and are important to many of your listeners but those topics are easy to discover — every news website is covering them. The Letters to the Editor section of your local paper provide a daily snapshot of what’s important to the people who live where you live.

3. Podcasts – For me, free time is learning time. While riding my bike, walking the dog or doing household chores I’m listening to podcasts that make me a more well-rounded person. Examples are:

• Freakonomics
• TED Radio Hour
• Science Vs.
• Hidden Brain

4. Community Bulletin Boards – Did you know you can take a yoga class with your dog? The next time you’re waiting for your latte macchiato take a look at your local coffee shop’s community bulletin board. They’re usually filled with business cards and flyers for things you didn’t know existed in your town.

5. Show Prep Service Archives – Hopefully your radio show prep service gives you full access to its archives. Going back one, two or five years ago this week can provide some great “hey, remember when…” content. Bonus: If you archive your best phone calls, one or two from a year ago will sound fresh to most listeners and can be used to re-launch a topic.

What are your uncommon or unusual radio show prep sources? Tell us below.