Got Conflict?
What do the following successful shows all have in common: Star Wars
, Lord of the Rings
, Game of Thrones
, 60 Minutes
, Seinfeld
, The View
, Howard Ste
r n
, The Bert Sho
w?
Conflict and contrast between characters.
Nothing can cap the growth of a radio show and podcast more than a lack of conflict and contrast. In order for your listeners to remain engaged they need to feel compelled to take a stand, join a side, or hope for a resolution.
Common scenarios that prevent healthy conflict:
- A host who won’t share the mic to allow disagreements or differing opinions from cohosts, guests, or callers.
- Upbeat, friendly shows where everything is positive and enthusiastic.
- Hosts or cast members who are worried about what family, target audience, or management might think.
Here are several ways to promote conflict iwith your characters and content:
- Friendly conflict between hosts: The best hosts today allow the cohosts, guests and callers to challenge them in a respectful way. Focus group panelist tell us they love to hear two hosts get into what they call “passionate debates.”
- Prank phone can calls still work if they are executed properly. The most effective ones include a resolution at the end by telling the person that they’ve been pranked. The reactions can be priceless.
- Relationship content including features like ‘Second Date Update” or “ Blown Off ” link. Any relationship dilemmas involving couples, parenting, family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors has conflict .” Facebook Fights” is another popular feature loaded with conflict and humor.
- Stories: The most memorable personal and external stories have something at stake. Concentrate on entertainment stories, weird news, or positive stories with action and drama. Stay away from announcement-type stories that lack conflict.
Common questions we get about executing friendly conflict:
Q. What if we all agree or disagree on an issue or topic?
A. Explore areas to agree or disagree, but for different reasons. Add this to your daily prep list.
Q . Are there situations where conflict doesn’t work?
A. Yes. If you disagree on everything, especially in he said/she said
platforms, the show can become too predictable.
Q. What if I don’t have enough information to chime in on the topic?
A. Talking about and planning topics ahead of time gives cast members a chance to research. Topics that come up on the fly provide an excellent opportunity to solicit information from experts or callers.
NOTE: Your point of view will come alive with stories, examples, and analogies.
Photo Credit:
Flickr.com/photos/jnissa/
Recent Posts



