How to Call Talkback Radio

Want to amplify the message of your campaign? Talkback radio is one way to do this!

Talkback radio is a part of a radio show where listeners can call in and directly engage with hosts and guests, discussing various topics, live on the air.

Talkback radio is a way to reach millions of people, and put pressure on Members of Parliament who monitor local shows to gauge voter sentiment.

Step 1: Pick the Right Station

Your local ABC Radio Station is a great starting point.

🔍 Research the show:

• Is the host friendly to your issue?

• What’s their audience demographic?

• Do they take “open line” calls or focus on specific topics?

Step 2: Choose One Clear Issue

Focus on a single, urgent problem affecting young people in your area. For example Gen-Z and Millennials make up X amount of the population, but the:

• Major parties aren’t listening to young people, but they are listening to big business! Their policies show this, and they’ve taken a minimum of 260 million dollars in political donations in the last 10 years.
• Major parties aren’t listening to young people, but they are listening to property developers! Nearly 115,000 of those who sought assistance from homelessness service were under the age of 25. Capital gains tax and negative gearing since 2022 has cost the government $13 billion dollars.

Step 3: Prepare your key points

ou’ll only get 30 seconds, so keep it sharp:

1. The problem: “Young people are being priced out of our own futures.”

2. The impact: “I work two jobs and still can’t afford rent – this isn’t sustainable.”

3. The demand: “We need [MP] to back a rent freeze and tax property speculators.”

Speak like you’re talking to a friend, not someone that works in politics.

Step 4: Make the Call

📞 Make sure you’ve got no background noise (radio stations want clearer audio)
🎧 Turn off your radio once you’re on hold (to avoid echo)
🗣️ You’ll talk to the producer first: Briefly summarise your point (e.g., “I want to talk about how the housing crisis is forcing young people to leave [Town].”)

When you’re on air:

• Stay calm (hosts might try to provoke you—don’t bite!)

• Stick to your script (don’t let them derail you)

• End strong: “Young people are 47% of voters. We’re watching who stands with us.”

Sample Script

“Hi [Host], I’m [Name] from [Town]. Right now, young people are struggling with [Issue]. I’m [Personal Story: e.g., ‘working 3 jobs but still can’t afford rent’]. At the next election, we’re voting for politicians who’ll [Demand: e.g., ‘tax the rich to fund housing’]. Young people are the biggest voting bloc—we won’t be ignored.”