Radio: The Way To Go There are a large number of radio stations in Adelaide that provide regular Arts programs - 3d Radio, Coast-FM, 5UV, 5RPH to name but a few, and others such as 5AD who offer free community listings throughout the day and night. These programs not only eagerly promote upcoming events, including theatre, but some happily provide interviews as well, to further promote a show. Country groups often miss out on this type of publicity since (they) are often unable to get into the city for an interview, however there are a number of ways to promote your show on air to gain maximum exposure, including by telephone. Firstly, you must send the radio station your information. No show can be promoted without the information being received first. Thankfully, a lot of the Arts programs are on the mailing list for the ATS and get their information from the pages of Encore. But without an individual mailing from the group concerned, shows can often be overlooked and/or given a lower priority. For those who are willing, lining up an on air interview is possibly the best way to plug your production and make people want to come and see it. By being interviewed, you not only get more air time but you can provide a lot more information to enthuse listening audiences and make sure your information doesn't get lost in amongst the other "what's on" listings. Interviews don't have to be live-to-air. Arts program presenters are usually more than happy to line up a convenient time for all parties concerned and pre-record the interview if you can't make the program time. Most radio stations will provide interviews by phone as well, where the station will ring you at an appointed time and record the interview. This is a great means of access for country or disability groups where coming into the station may not always be practical. The fact that the station will ring you to record the interview means there's no cost for the group except the initial call to make contact with the station. And you can even do that by letter or fax! Each station has different rules about interviews but very few actually charge you anything. Groups should check with individual stations for more information. With literally thousands of radio listeners out there, why not make the most of it to get more bums on seats or to encourage people to audition? Remember - all publicity is good publicity. Even a bad review can do more good than harm. After all, with each review you get, people remember the Group's name but what was actually said eventually gets forgotten amongst all the other reviews people have heard. So promote your work - after all, you've put enough effort into it. Send the information, arrange an interview and invite the presenter to review your show. Oh, and one more thing. It always works in your favour to find a contact and stick to him/her where possible. By becoming a regular "client" of a particular announcer, you develop a rapport and you'll almost always find a bit of favouritism starting to slip your way. Again, you're helping him/her by providing regular material for the show so why shouldn't that be encouraged with a little extra time or a bigger mention? It also results in better interviews as you get to know each other. Reprinted with permission from Encore magazine (Vol 12, No. 8 pp 4)