Radio talk shows: 6 traits of ideal hosts, guests

If you’re trying to figure out how to be a great guest on a radio talk show, just exhibit the same traits that stations demand in their hosts.

In the February issue of Talkers magazine, talk show consultant John Mainelli who also covers radio for the New York Post, lists these six traits of the best hosts:

1. A sense of humor. The most important. 
2. Misanthropic/sarcastic. “Cranky, curmudgeonly” such as Don Imus in New York and Larry Lujak in Chicago.
3. Passionate: If you don’t have passion, forget about faking it. 
4. Boldness: He chides the wimpification of hosts like  Imus, Rush Limbaugh, Neil Rogers and Howard Stern who he says “started out boldly but, sadly…they’ve become increasingly accommodating, wishy-washy, and even annoyingly self-indulgent.” His definition of bold? Bob Grant, Opie & Anthony, Michael Savage.
   
5. Phone flair: As in Joe Pyne’s “Go gargle with razor blades” line or Bob Grant’s “Get off my phoooone.”   

Exhibit those same six traits and you’ll probably be invited back, especially if you disagree with the host. In talk radio, the more heat, the better the show.