Running Radio Contests: A DJ's Perspective on Caller Hitting Strategies

Radio contests can be an exciting way to engage listeners and promote exciting giveaways, but managing the call lines can be a challenging task. In this article, a former radio DJ shares insights into the intricacies of running contests, specifically focusing on the process of getting to the winning caller.

Challenges of Running Radio Contests

As a radio DJ, the main challenge in running contests is ensuring that the call lines are available and responsive, especially when thousands of listeners are listening simultaneously. This article delves into the tactics used to manage the call lines and find the winning caller.

Two to Three Lines, Thousands of Listeners

Any radio station I've worked with had either just 2 or 3 lines tied to the number given out on air. When a contest is announced, the lines can quickly become overwhelmed, with thousands of listeners trying to call in at the same time. This creates a bottleneck, with all but 2 or 3 callers receiving a busy signal.

Strategies for Getting the Winning Caller

When the announced number is needed, the DJ quickly picks up one of the lines, tells the caller they are the first winner, and then hangs up to immediately go to the next line. This back-and-forth between lines is repeated until the desired caller is reached.

For example, in a situation where a radio station said caller 9 would win, the DJ would proceed as follows:

Line 1: Caller 1, try again. Hang up, go to Line 2: Caller 2, try again. Back to Line 1: Caller 1, try again. Continue until reaching Caller 9.

This process can be done exceptionally quickly, typically taking less than 30 seconds to reach the ninth caller. The DJ aims to have the winning call recorded and ready to edit by the end of the announcement, which is often within the timeframe of the current song.

Special Considerations for Winning Callers

The process becomes more complex when the winning caller has a weak "phone personality," meaning they may not be enthusiastic or exciting on the call. The DJ needs to engage in additional chat to elicit genuine excitement from the winner. Similarly, if the winner is using a cell phone with poor service, the audio quality can be affected, making it harder to hear the caller.

Lessons from the Experience

Overall, the key to successfully running radio contests lies in quick and efficient management of the call lines. Watching the lines light up, counting the calls, and intercepting them precisely is a skill that can be perfected over time. Strategies such as quickly switching between lines and handling complex situations like weak call quality are crucial in ensuring smooth contest delivery.

Conclusion

Radio contests add a dynamic element to radio broadcasts, engaging listeners and creating excitement around giveaways. However, the logistical challenges in running these contests must be carefully managed. By understanding the strategies used by DJs and todays radio professionals, the process can be optimized for success.