The Battle Ground Buzz Online Radio Show FAQs

Posted on December 19th, 2011

What Will You Talk About?

Well I’m going to talk about my favorite subject of course…me! Just kidding. I’m going to talk about Battle Ground. The content is going to be informational and empowering in nature. Since the BG Buzz is created “by the people, for the people” it really depends on what the people (you) want.

I will experiment with different formats at first to see what people like most. Here are some topics I’m thinking of covering:

1. Local Politics

I’ve already talked to some of the City Councilmembers who agreed to participate in this. One of them even said they would consider doing it on a regular (monthly perhaps) basis. But I don’t want it to just be a platform for the elected officials. I also plan to interview local citizens, business owners, and others who may share opposing viewpoints.

I believe this will help engage the community with local government and vice-versa. We will hear different sides of controversial subjects. I want the people to hear what the elected officials have to say but I also want them to hear what we, the people have to say. Democracy only works when we participate in it. I hope this encourages participation.

2. News

I’m planning on dedicating part of the show to local news. Since the Battle Ground Buzz is a hyperlocal media site I want to continue to focus on Battle Ground alone (sorry Vancouver). I think there’s enough news coverage on the national and state level. The news here will uncover what’s happening in our town.

3. Interviews

I’m really excited about this one. Since I launched the Buzz on Sept 1, 2011 I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with many business owners, authors, elected officials, and long-time residents. I enjoy these interviews very much but to be honest I don’t like transcribing them after!

It takes a lot of time to do this and I feel like the mass amount of text intimidates many of my readers. I think an audio version would be a better format to share these interviews with the Buzz community.

4. Trivia/Thought of the Day

I like trivia. Back when I was an insurance agent I decided to add a little fun to the office by starting a “Trivia of the Day” game. I setup a whiteboard above my desk and would write a trivia question on it every day. I asked people to write down there answers and give them to me.

At the end of the month I would tally up all the right answers on a spreadsheet and then give a prize out at the end of the month (i.e. $20 Regal Gift Card). If there was a tie we would have to have a sudden death trivia round to decide the winner. It was a lot of fun and people really enjoyed it.

So I thought I’d do something similar on the radio show. If you want to answer the trivia I’ll probably have you text or email me. I haven’t decided yet but just know there will be an ongoing trivia game.

How Will You Do This?

This will be an online radio show aka “a podcast.” So this means I will not be broadcast on an FM or AM radio station. The shows will be available in a format that can be downloaded to your iPod, iPad, smart phone, or computer. There will not be a charge to subscribe to the radio show. I plan to have sponsors who will provide funding for operating costs.

Where Will You Do This?

Unless I find another place in Battle Ground I will be launching this out of my home office. Eventually I would like to record live from somewhere on Main Street or Battle Ground Village. If a business has room and would be open to letting me use the space once a week in exchange for sponsorship time I might be able to work something out.

What Else Do You Want To Know?

Let me know what other questions you have. I’m excited about this new opportunity for the Buzz to reach more people. If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions please let me know by leaving a comment below or sending an email to josh@battlegroundbuzz.com.

About Joshua Monen

Josh is the founder and editor of the Battle Ground Buzz. He started writing online in 2007 and hasn't looked back. He left his "safe and secure" job in corporate America in May of 2011 to pursue writing full-time. Feel free to email him at josh@battlegroundbuzz.com.