Got Conflict?

Randy Lane • July 10, 2019

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/

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