Media Interviews

 

Getting the interview

 

1.  Go local first.

If you’re just beginning, contact a local station – not a network –

that does this kind of interviewing.

 

2.  Consider both talk shows and music shows.

Both provide great opportunities.

 

3.  Research the station on the internet and listen to them. When you call, let them know you’ve listened to them. (Keep this brief.)

 

4.  Give them your 10 second message (See Power Statements in Ministry Focus Division).

You may preface that with a brief reason why your message could help their listeners now. For example, “With the recent Barna statistics on Bible illiteracy, it’s obvious that Christians haven’t really discovered the joy of reading and studying the Bible. I have an approach to Bible reading that has people saying, ‘I never knew the Bible could be so easy and exciting.’ In fact, I’ve written a book on that topic. Would there be a place on your show to share my techniques with you and your audience and give away some copies of the book?” Show hosts, as well as listeners or viewers, love 'lists;" for example, a list of Five reasons or 10 ways. If you can come up with your list it will help sell your message to the program host. The host can, then, select the one or two or five most interesting to him.

 

5.  Talk to the Program Director or, better yet, the Show Host.

Who is that? Look on the station website.

 

6.  Be prepared to send them something.   

They may want you to send them something first to see if they’re interested. Be prepared to send them a professional looking one-sheet or a copy of your book with a one sheet describing you and your message. Your one-sheet is a single, attractive sheet of paper that contains a brief bio for your introduction on air, a picture of yourself and some sample questions and your power statement. It could also contain a testimonial. Make sure it all looks professional.

 

7.  If they want you...

Find out if the interview will be recorded or live.

Will it be in studio or over the phone.

What time should you be there or call.

What number should you call? How long will the interview last?

Will it be done in short segments or a long segment?