Squawkback: Everything you need for calling talkback radio

Talkback radio is a great way to reach diverse listeners and communicate about the things we care about.

Politicians and their staffers also pay attention to what is being discussed on talkback – so it’s a great way to make a tangible impact. But it’s important to be prepared before making a call or even sending a text message.

In this guide …

1. A list of Victorian and national programs and their contact details
2. Tips to prepare
3. Form to let us know if you got on air!

NATIONAL RADIO

ABC Radio National Breakfast: Monday to Friday, 6–9am
Text line: 0418 226 576

ABC Radio National Drive: Monday to Friday, 6–7.30pm
Text line: 0418 226 576

Triple J Hack: Monday to Friday, 5.30–6pm
Talkback number: 1300 055 536
Text line: 0439 757 555

MELBOURNE RADIO

ABC Melbourne 774: Monday to Friday 8.30am–12pm
Talkback number: 1300 222 774
Text line: 0437 774 774

3AW Melbourne: Monday to Friday 5.30am – 6pm

• Breakfast: show 5.30–8.30am
• Tom Elliot: 8:30am–12pm
• Tony MoClair: 12–3pm
• Jacque Felgate: Monday to Friday 3–6pm.

Talkback number: 133 693

3CR Community Radio
Talkback: 9419 0155

Triple R FM (Tony Biggs ‘On the Blower’: Friday 11am – 12pm and other current affairs shows)
Talkback: 9388 1027
Text: 0466 981 027

REGIONAL AND LOCAL RADIO

Find your local ABC radio station at www.abc.net.au/local

The more prepared you are the better you’ll come across … 

1. Get to know the show and presenter you are going to call. Listen in to their program and the type of topics and tone they take. Is the presenter friendly or more interested in provoking an argument? Understanding the radio show and its host’s nuances will help you feel more confident.
2. Keep in mind the audience you are talking to – are they conservative or onside with your issue? Are they likely to be young people or older retirees? That will help to guide your discussion as you need to engage the audience, not just the radio host.
3. Have some talking points in front of you, and focus on one or two key points you want to get across. It will be more convincing if you have a personal story or anecdote to refer to, or can demonstrate now it is impacting your local community.
4. Be prepared to articulate what you would like to happen – do you want your local or federal MP to take action, or how can listeners get involved in the campaign?

Tips for making the call

1. Make sure you are in a quiet place, that you have good reception, and you’re not going to get distracted.
2. In many cases (but not all) you will first be put through to a producer who will want to know what you plan to cover and will decide whether to put you on air – so be ready to sum it up in a few words.
3. You may have to wait a few moments before being put to air – don’t keep your radio on in the background as it will be distracting once you’re connected – listen through the phone. This is a good time to practice your lines – stay focused on your message!

Your 5 minutes (or 30 seconds) of fame

1. Once you are connected, just treat it as a normal conversation, but make your point calmly and respectfully.
2. Think about the audience listening to you and don’t let the host bait you. No matter what you’re asked, try to make the key points you wish to make.
3. Don’t go into a rant – be as concise as possible and listen to the host’s questions but pivot back to your key points and call to action for listeners.