A few weeks back, we ran a post about the slow death of the request line. Our Techsurvey8 study reveals that among the many digital conduits – email, Facebook, text, etc. – that listeners use to stay in touch with radio, the lowly request or studio line has become a very tertiary communications mode.
Nonetheless, I asked the question on Facebook about great request line moments and hit a nerve. Rapidly, my page filled up with story after story, many of which are so good that I thought I’d show them here. When you think about it, while antiquated, old school, and inefficient, the request line is still that window on the audience – or at least a part of it. You can’t get this kind of stuff on email.
And in the words of many DJs, “Hang on, I’ve got a break to do.”
Thanks for everyone who had a great request line story. Feel free to leave some “late adds” in the comments section of this post.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Some of these had me laughing out loud! What a fun blog today, Fred. While I’d get the typical male callers who would say, “I’m on the phone with Anita Wadd! Can I just sit here and listen to you breathe?” – my favorite calls were actually the guys who would start out angry and ask, “Why do you play the same thing all the time?” When I would respond with “Tell me how to make it better and I will – what can I play for you?” After hesitation, it never failed. They would say, “Can you play me some Freebird?” True.
It is SO easy to “turn around” complaint callers. They are emotional people. Anyone who takes the time to call a station and then have to get through on the phone is passionate about something. The key is to often turn that passion into your favor. Thanks, Lori.
I was on the air in Cincinnati and answered the request line. Guy said it was Gregg Allman and he called to say how much he enjoyed the show. I told him to prove he was Gregg Allman so he set the phone down and performed a great acoustic version of “Melissa.” I was taping the call so of course I played it back over the air. (it was him)
A great moment – thanks for sharing, Marty.
A few years back we plagued by bill collectors calling into our request lines looking for one of our listeners.
Turns out he used our request line number at his home phone number!
Never put it past the listeners to outsmart their bill collectors!