As a radio talk show host, I’ve been experimenting with Twitter, the mini messaging/blogging/social networking web site. In short Twitter is the free service that lets one post mini messages of 140 characters or less, like a blog post only very short. Other folks, (listeners) can “follow” you on Twitter and get all of your updates. The Twitter user can also choose to follow others and receive updates (feedback from listeners).
I’m loving this as a way to further connect and interact with the audience. I can use it as a tool to set up topics, give “insider information” , off air comments, whatever, during the show and while I’m off the air I can update keeping myself “top of the mind” with some of my strong supporters. I can even say things on Twitter I might not want to say on air to make those following my posts feel they are in an inner circle if you will. It’s been great fun, I recommend all talk hosts and producers try it! The simplicity of using my cell phone to send a text message and then have that message automatically go to all the listeners who follow me, plus appear automatically on my twitter page, and my radio web site page automatically using an rss feed is a beautiful thing. Twitter has made my online communication a lot less complicated.
I have also used Twitter to follow other radio hosts who “get it”, and have been able to steal some great show topic ideas and show prep. (Thanks Andy and Grandy!)
My explanation of Twitter is not as good as this short video.
Follow me on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/dangaffney
Tags: Grandy and Andy, radio and twitter, Talk Show Hosts on Twitter, Twitter, WMAL
