Interactive content ideas
?Hola, Amplifiers!
Paola Marizan here, one of America Amplified’s Engagement Trainers. In the always-changing landscape of public radio, one thing is constant: the commitment to engaging listeners about the issues that matter most to them. And that means getting creative with interactive content that goes beyond traditional broadcast, especially during an election year.
Let's take a closer look at how some public radio stations use the power of interactive content to drive civic engagement among voters and non-voters.
Polls: Back in 2019, a poll conducted by NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist Institute gauged public sentiment on gun violence initiatives in the aftermath of some high-profile mass shootings. Turns out, people from both sides of the aisle were on board with ideas like boosting funding for? mental health programs, doing universal background checks, and having red flag laws. But when it came to stuff like banning high-capacity magazines and assault-style weapons, people were more split.
What stands out about this poll was that they were able to survey a wide range of people to get a real sense of what the public was thinking on the issue. It was not just about broadcasting news; interactive content can drive civic engagement and spark conversations that matter. See more about how they did it here.?
Quizzes: Now let's head over to KQED in San Francisco. Ahead of California's primary elections in 2022, they rolled out a quiz asking, “What Happens if You Make a Mistake on Your Election Ballot?” This interactive quiz tested listeners' knowledge of electoral processes and informed them about key election-related issues. The quiz was not only hosted on KQED's website and promoted across radio broadcasts but was also promoted on social media. It’s another fun and engaging way for voters to brush up on ballot measures, candidates, and more while connecting with your station. KQED has also started a daily news quiz asking a question each afternoon about that day’s programming. Listeners and readers respond for a chance to win a big prize — meanwhile, KQED learns about what is resonating with their audience.?
Live Q&A Sessions: In Boston, WBUR launched an "Ask the Candidates" series during the 2021 local elections. These live Q&A sessions weren't your typical debates: they were intimate conversations between candidates and voters. With questions submitted via phone, email, and social media, listeners had the chance to engage directly with the people vying for their votes. It was democracy in action, right on the airwaves. WBUR also hosted two town hall-style conversations with the final candidates. Both events gave the audience a unique opportunity to hear from the candidates about their backgrounds, the issues they deeply care about, and the change they plan to bring to Boston, while also answering questions LIVE.
Public media stations are at the forefront of driving civic engagement through interactive content. Whether it's polls, quizzes, or live Q&A sessions, these stations are finding new and innovative ways to inform and empower their communities.
- Paola from America Amplified
Host an Instagram Q&A — Have a reporter or editor host an Instagram Q&A on your station’s account. It’s a great way to engage on a platform where 56% of users are younger than 35. This guide offers all kinds of Instagram hacks, but the last one is a step-by-step guide, starting with posting a story using the Question function. Think of a high-interest topic in your community or share a special project you recently published.
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How Broadcasters Are Making Two-Way Experiences with Interactive Content —?See how broadcasters are bringing the audience into the equation – whether it’s giving them a say in the content, through polls, live Q-and-A, or picking the next musical superstar, the audience is now part of the content strategy. How can you implement these in your station?
How North State Public Radio used a survey to discover information needs. —?NSPR is located in the heart of fire country in north/central California. They wanted to find out if wildfire emergency alerts were actually reaching people in their listening audience, so launched a survey to find out. The survey went online, and was distributed throughout their region and resulted in a powerful series of stories called “Sounding the Alarm.”
How WFYI’s Side Effects team anticipated the Medicaid unwinding by simply showing up
The end of the pandemic meant the end of protections around Medicaid, leading to thousands of people experiencing interruptions to their healthcare. America Amplified engagement trainer Brittani Howell, covered this story as the engagement specialist for Side Effects. She explains how having a consistent presence in spaces that were strictly on-background helped Side Effects Public Media earn the trust necessary to cover one of the year's biggest healthcare stories.
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