The process of starting a radio show or podcast is not an easy task. Before you take center stage to perform your long-dreamed and overly rehearsed intro, all protocols must be duly observed.
In creating the “On Air Police,” as a class requirement, we were tasked to create a youth media platform that engages with Policing and Safety issues that face the Regent Park neighborhood in Toronto, but we have decided to take the task a bit further. We have decided to not only engage with Regent Park but also with the city. This urge to create a platform that hopes to live behind the classroom and the semester gave birth to the “On Air Police” O.A.P.
Now let’s get down with business.
First, Be Organized
We had to figure out what this really meant to us as a team. In doing this, we came up with a mission statement, vision statement and an objective. We tasked ourselves for the week, to create a logo, a name and a slogan, that was effective, easy to remember, to find on the internet and that was also catchy.
Second, Team Work
Faduma made the logo and we all brainstormed and decided on the group name together. Katie wrote the Mission, Vision and Objective statement, while Anita drafted the show schedule and proposal.
Third, Do Your Research
We did not know the difference between a vision and mission statement, but on this journey, we have learned that the difference between a mission and vision statement is that a mission statement describes what is to be done now, while a vision statement outlines the projections and where the show would see its self in the future.
Fourth, Choose Your Host Publisher
The fourth stage will be to pick a host with which you would like to share your content. For us, we approached our local radio station called CIUT 89.5 FM which is our University of Toronto Radio station, catering to audiences in the downtown Toronto core, and the GTA. Now, in your case it may be Spotify, iTunes or youtube. Make sure to meet with the program director via email or in person to discuss your idea. They will be able to direct you on the further steps to take in actualizing your content on their streams. For us, Ken, who is the program director for CIUT, gave us a proposal guideline specific to CIUT and its stakeholders.
Fifth, It Is Not As Easy as It seems
Over the week, writing the show proposal, was not an easy task. While, google serves a great purpose for getting started, and providing quick start inspiration, and answers, we would advice you seek the help of someone who is a professional in the field and has written many proposals in font of, and behind the scenes. This would prevent you from getting lost in the pool of information that exists on google and assist you with more specific ideas.
Sixth, What we learned
In writing a media proposal, imagine you are lawyer in front of a jury — the jury is looking for a reason to say no to you. Write your proposal in a way where they would have to say yes and have no reason to ask questions but still be curious to know where you would take the proposed idea to.
Lastly, Have a Checklist
We are happy to announce that a show name “On Air Police” has been finalized, and checked off the list, a show logo, the show’s vision and mission statement along with the proposal which includes a scheduling run down, has also been finalized and will be handed over to the CIUT stakeholders for an assessment on whether they will adopt/adapt the show for a possible live programming on the waves.
Until then, you can connect with us on all our social media platforms @onairpolice and connect with us using the hashtag, #UofDivas. Feel free to email and message us if you have any questions trying to start you own radio show or youth media engagement. We are always happy to help.
The On Air Police are Faduma, Anita, and Kati.