#1 Keep a good 50/50 balance of regular content vs. content that’s directly connected to coronavirus, every hour. Clearly, it’s a BIG DEAL, so we are obligated as stations to serve our communities well in a time like this. Consider alternating every other break to maintain that balance.
#2 Anything related to “in the moment” happenings or issues is good to use on the air. This can be school/business closings, changes to people’s schedules, discussion about travel, shopping/grocery store cleaning and stocking, talk about keeping kids occupied, ideas on working from home, etc.
#3 Of course, the spiritual thread of our eternal hope being found in Jesus can weave through, but don’t over-spiritualize everything.
#4 Make sure you have a live page on your website full of resources, including official CDC updates, local churches streaming services or groups, local closings or curfews.
#5 Communicate with donors (on the air and via email database) that their gift makes Christian radio possible in times like these…when most people are open to spiritual topics as regular life is altered during a national/global crisis.
#6 Use social media to help the community. For example, if you go to the grocery store, do a FB live to share with followers where you are, whether or not they have water, how long lines are, how late they’re open, etc. Another idea is to do a “how to” video on making your own hand sanitizer at home. Or consider creating a FB group where listeners can contribute stay-at-home entertainment ideas.
#7 Utilize artist social media feeds to alert listeners on mini-concert live streams, a behind the scenes look at artist lives at home in quarantine, etc.
#8 If your station sells advertising, connect with clients to see how to update their spots to make them relevant during these times. For instance, adjusted hours, extra cleaning, sale items, or just communicating business core values. Also think about having an advertiser listing on your website for easy listener access.
Be sure to share any of your ideas with the CMB community so we can help one another!
Matt Stockman
Director of Programming, Star 99.1
