June

 

Graduation, Fathers Day and LOTS more!

 

June is…

Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month • African-American Music Appreciation Month • Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf Hurricane Season • Audiobook Appreciation Month • Cancer from the Sun Month • Central Pacific Hurricane Season • Child Vision Awareness Month • Children’s Awareness Month • Dairy Alternatives Month • Effective Communications Month • Entrepreneurs “Do It Yourself” Marketing Month • Fireworks Safety Months • Great Outdoors Month • International Men’s Month • International Surf Music Month • June Dairy Month • June Is Perennial Gardening Month • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month • Migraine And Headache Awareness Month • National Aphasia Awareness Month •National Bathroom Reading Month • National Candy Month • National Caribbean-American Heritage Month • National GLBT Book Month • National Iced Tea Month • National Oceans Month • National Rivers Month • National Safety Month • National Soul Food Month •  Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism • Rebuild Your Life Month • Skyscraper Month • Sports America Kids Month • Student Safety Month

 

 

 

MONTH-SPECIFIC EVENTS

 

ADOPT-A-SHELTER-CAT MONTH

Team with ASPCA (month sponsor) and sell a spot package promoting adopting cats from area animal shelters. Target veterinarians, pet supply stores, area animal shelters, etc. Consider remote with participating sponsors on hand to offer their services. Or have sponsors offer discounts on products or services for listeners’ newly-adopted pets. Host an adopted-cat photo contest with a mall, pet store, etc.; tie in a shelter, vet and other appropriate vendors. www.aspca.org

 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

Proclaimed annually since 2009 to honor the rich musical traditions of African-American musicians and their gifts to our country and our world

 

ATLANTIC, CARIBBEAN AND GULF (JUNE 1-NOV 30) AND CENTRAL PACIFIC (JUNE 1-OCT 31) HURRICANE SEASON

If you’re in hurricane territory, begin asserting yourself as a hurricane authority with maps, quick hurricane conditions check as part of morning drive weather, hurricane info on your website (all sponsorable), plus promos touting your emergency coverage. Have a TV weather person voice all/part of your promo. Set up special hotline listeners can call for hurricane updates, or provide a link on a special page of your web site. Sponsor targets: stores selling batteries/flashlights, bottled water, canned goods, etc. Put your logo on hurricane tracking maps and distribute from station or participating sponsors.

 

AUDIOBOOK APPRECIATION MONTH

To encourage new listeners to learn more about the fascinating history and current status of audiobooks in the United States.  www.audiopub.org. Sell a promotion to a bookstore offering discounts on audiobooks. If there’s an audiobook fan on the air, organize an ‘audiobook of the month club’ where sponsor discounts book and hosts monthly 1 hour discussion (add in a talent fee).

 

CANCER FROM THE SUN MONTH

To promote education and awareness of dangers of skin cancer from too much exposure to the sun. Sell “public service”-type commercials to a dermatologist, pharmacy, sunscreen vendor, etc. Or sell a patio/outdoor furniture dealer a schedule that extols their umbrellas or similar. www.ppsinc.org

 

CHILD VISION AWARENESS MONTH

To elevate awareness of children’s vision problems and detection of eye diseases in infants and children, and to increase the number of school-aged children who have an eye exam. www.ppsinc.org Team with optometrist to offer discounted or free eye exams. Sell an educational campaign to vision care business. Talk to expert on how parents can recognize potential vision problems in their children. Collect used eyeglasses for underprivileged kids.

 

CHILDREN’S AWARENESS MONTH

Celebrates the joys of children in our everyday lives and communities. Sell a promotion to a photographer, digital camera vendor, etc. that involves pictures/portraits of kids. Sell a schedule to a kid-friendly business (family fun center, sports team, zoo, science center, bowling alley, etc.); spots encourage parents to spend the day there having a great time with their kids. Create a “celebrate children” package to sell to business dealing with a family consumable (such as milk distributor, supermarket, toy superstar, kids’ clothier, outdoor recreation equipment). Package can include special coloring books, anti-violence literature, discount admissions to family attractions, etc.

 

DAIRY ALTERNATIVES MONTH

This event encourages consumers to eliminate dairy products from their diet and explore alternative foods made from soybeans, nuts or grains. Offer “taste test” at local grocery or health food store during morning show between cereal with regular, soy, almond and rice milk.

 

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS MONTH

The most important cog in the wheel of interpersonal relationships is communication. Active listening, verbal language, paralanguage, body language and written communication skills are the essence of how humans relate to each other personally and professionally. This month is dedicated to learning how to, improving upon, and committing to communicating more effectively in our lives. More info: www.SpringboardTraining.com

 

ENTREPRENEURS “DO IT YOURSELF” MARKETING MONTH

Sales hosts a free seminar for small businesspersons to acquaint them with various marketing ideas including web, loyalty marketing and (of course!) radio. Or create a quick PowerPoint or print presentation that you can give to area businesses as part of a sales call. Create a special “Entrepreneurs Package” that includes spots and e-mail to your database at a special rate. Or with each order, give away a copy of one of the “Guerilla Marketing” books by Jay Conrad Levinson and execute one of the ideas.

 

FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTHS (JUNE 1-JULY 31)

If fireworks are legal in your state, sell a vendor a PSA campaign or print and distribute comic book with fireworks safety tips. www.PreventBlindness.org has more info. Or arrange for special reserved seating at your July 4th fireworks display and award at end of the month.
GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH

First proclaimed in 2008 by President George W. Bush. http://www.greatoutdoorsmonth.com/

 

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S MONTH/MEN’S HEALTH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS MONTH

Since 1996 to increase awareness of unique issues that impact men’s lives and that are of concern to the people who love them. Each day a new issue is discussed. Info: www.MenStuff.org Talk to psychologist about issues unique to men and give advice to men and women. Or sell a similar campaign to a doctors’ group. Or sell a men’s store on the idea of giving away printed tips to reduce stress free just for coming in.

 

INTERNATIONAL SURF MUSIC MONTH

Celebrating the sounds of surf music, born in the US in the 1960s and reflecting the freedom and joy of surf culture.  www.nesmasurf.org

 

JUNE DAIRY MONTH

Salutes the role of milk and dairy products in the American diet. Sell a promotion to supermarket or ice cream store to give away free ice cream for a year. Do a fundraiser to buy milk and cheese that will be donated to a food bank. Or work with a “Head Start” program to accompany kids to a dairy farm. Or play “Name That Cheese” for free cheese coupons from a vendor or grocer. Or sell a Pizza Trivia game to a local pizzeria to win free pizzas with extra cheese. Or hold “Be a Big Cheese” contest with cheese company providing cash prizes plus year’s supply of cheese to winners. Or “Cheese Wheel of Fortune” where listeners spin the wheel to determine which cheese they’ll have to answer trivia questions about. Or Dairy Association, regional dairy, milk, ice cream or cheese company or other dairy-oriented food vendor sponsors station’s “Cash Cow,” which gives away cash and dairy coupons. www.nfraweb.org

 

June Is Perennial Gardening Month

Sell a promotion to a garden center. Include a remote and several experts on hand to give advice on what to plant in listeners’ gardens. Or sell a contest where listeners register to win a professionally landscaped garden planted at their home. Optional super grand prize add-on: a trip to a famous garden: Calloway Gardens outside of Atlanta, Windsor Gardens in England or Madison Square Garden in New York City. www.PerennialPlant.org

 

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH

Observed this month because on June 28, 1969, the clientele of a gay bar in New York City rioted after the club was raided by police.

 

MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE AWARENESS MONTH

A month aimed at educating the public on the costs of migraines and providing resources for the 30 million migraine patients and their families. www.headaches.org Migraines are no laughing matter, but 1) things that give you a headache, 2) makes your head spin thinking about, 3) tips for relieving migraines from those who suffer with them.

 

NATIONAL APHASIA AWARENESS MONTH

More than one million Americans have aphasia, a language processing disorder that impairs a person’s ability to speak or understand speech. www.Aphasia.org Talk to a local physician about the disorder and what treatments are available.

 

NATIONAL BATHROOM READING MONTH

Since 1988, the Bathroom Reader’s Institute has led the movement to stand up for the 66% of those who admit to sitting down and reading in the bathroom.  Morning show poll: reader or not? Web poll: choice of material read in bathroom including ‘don’t read in bathroom.’ www.bathroomreader.com

 

NATIONAL CANDY MONTH

It’s not just for Halloween. Set aside the whole month to celebrate your favorite candy. www.candyusa.com.  Fun morning show bit and poll.

 

NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

By Presidential proclamation.

 

NATIONAL GLBT BOOK MONTH

Created to increase the recognition of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender writing. Begun in 1992 by the Publishing Triangle, June was selected in honor of the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riot in New York City. It was this brave resistance to police harassment that kick-started the gay pride movement in the US. For more information: www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/blbtrt

 

NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH

To celebrate one of the most widely consumed, all-natural beverages in the world. Poll listeners for what they add to their iced tea. Sell an ice team distributor on the station passing out free samples. Or sell restaurant on giving away a free iced tea with any entrée. www.teausa.org.

 

NATIONAL OCEANS MONTH

An opportunity to show our gratitude toward all those who work to protect the oceans, to learn, more about the vital role oceans play in life, and to discover ways we can conserve their many natural treasures. If you live near one, organize a beach clean-up or simply online discussion with an expert about ways to care for our waters/interesting to know about the ocean where we live.

 

NATIONAL RIVERS MONTH

Celebrated in many states where rivers have great significance. Sell a river rafting promotion. Organize a river walk and cleanup; include a package for corporate sponsors. Talk to local expert on the historical significance of the rivers in your area.

 

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

Sell an insurance agent a spot bank featuring “this is National Safety Month but accidents will happen” theme. Talk to home inspection company that specializes in checking for potential accident hazards; sell one or more a spot schedule and/or register listeners to win a free in-home safety inspection. Or sell a home improvement store on the idea of giving away smoke, CO2 and radon detectors. Or print a sponsorable pamphlet on home safety tips. Info: National Safety Council, www.nsc.org

 

 

NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

A month to recognize, educate and celebrate the heritage and history of the foods and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The culinary contributions of this group have had an indelible impact on the menu of the American table and on mainstream American life and culture. Partner with a soul food restaurant to give away free lunches all month. www.CulinaryHistorians.org

 

PHARMACISTS DECLARE WAR ON ALCOHOLISM

To encourage pharmacists, health care professionals and consumers to better educate and counsel the public on alcoholism and other substance abuse illnesses. www.ppsinc.org  Sell a campaign to a pharmacy where warning signs and help numbers are printed and distributed in-store.

 

REBUILD YOUR LIFE MONTH

Opportunity to discover your inner power and self-worth, especially for those who have been neglected and/or abused. Also encourages helping others. Invite an authority on the subject to speak on the morning show. Or sell a schedule to a technical institute or college that pitches discovering a new career and brighter future through education. Or invite a career counselor to give a “career make-over” talk on the air and/or in a chat or meeting. Or poll listeners on, if they could have any job in the world, what it would be. www.AbuseHealing.com

 

SKYSCRAPER MONTH

Celebrates the evolution of the high-rise building and the oldest commercial real estate association, the Building Owners and managers Association (BOMA). www.boma.org Broadcast from the top of the tallest building in your area.  Or, if you don’t have anything resembling a skyscraper, turn this idea on its head and broadcast from the shortest/smallest building, or broadcast from a cherry picker/boom lift.

 

SPORTS AMERICA KIDS MONTH

To encourage teamwork, healthy living and self-esteem through physical fitness. Also encourages the family to embrace the outdoors. Offer tips on how families can make fitness a fun event; sell sponsorship to athletic goods store, gym, health food/green grocer, family sports activity center, etc. Team with a gym for a promotion that involves free family memberships. Or a home gym retailer with a free gym and personal trainer giveaway.

 

STUDENT SAFETY MONTH

To promote safety and sound decisions following proms, graduation, parties, etc. Talk to school advisors about alcohol-free recommendations. Arrange an all night “Post-Prom” event at a restaurant, catering hall, family sports center. Or partner with area schools to be a part of their post-graduation all-night parties.  Have the WXXX karaoke booth, where kids walk away with a recording of their performance on a WXXX CD. Offer special package to clients that have appropriate services and promote their alcohol-free alternatives on your web site. www.TellCarole.com

 

 

 

 

GRADUATION IDEAS

 

Graduation Road Trip

Arrange for a group of friends to tour an interesting destination not too far away: quirky museum, to ball game or concert, brewery or vineyard (if 21), etc.  Provide transportation (limo trade), lunch, snacks and any admissions. (Graduation 2016)

 

Show Off Your Diploma

Sell to a framing store or craft store that sells frames; all graduates framing diploma receive a discount and one winner receives free, deluxe custom-framing for their current diploma and one more they may have received or will receive. (Graduation 2016)

 

Classmate Give-Backs

Graduating friends get together to form different ways to give back to community/world – from organizing local clean-up to mentoring to sponsoring child/family in another part of the world. Station acts as mouthpiece for any classmates who band together and offers online presence for others wanting to make a contribution in time or money. “Community-minded” businesses would make good sponsors. (Graduation 2016)

 

Words of Wisdom

Listeners post something meaningful from their school days.  Station combines and creates PDF for downloading. (Graduation 2016)

 

 

BIG Day, BIG Photo

Invite listeners to post graduation pictures of friends/family. Random photos are selected to receive giant “keepsake” prints that are “blueprint” photos (also called draft and engineering photos). These very large blow-ups run less than $10 each at many quick print stores who can also be the sponsor. Or sell the idea to a caterer who provides one of these along with the food. Build the photo cost into the package if you like. (Graduation 2015)

 

Photo-Op Booth

Register listeners to win an hour’s worth of “photo booth” time at a graduation party. Photo booths are increasingly easy to rent and easily sponsorable. Alternatively, give away everything for a DIY photo booth (see an example here). (Graduation 2015)

 

A Couple of More All-Nighters

Give away Google Chromecast dongles, subscriptions to Hulu, Netflix, etc., so that there will always be something to watch all night. Sell the concept to a business that is open all night or at least late into the evening. Or sell it to a big box store and award a TV as well. Prizes are also inexpensive enough that you can write a check to cover the cost.  (Graduation 2015)

 

Dip-Loma

Sell this to an ice cream/frozen yogurt store that agrees to give away mini-sundaes to grads. Proof can be phone picture of diploma and ID. Option: grads can also register for free ice cream for a year ($4 x 52 weeks for example). (Graduation 2015)

 

Pump It Up

Save some money entering college or the workforce by replacing the traditional graduation car with a bike. You’ll also be environmentally friendly. Sell promotion to a bike shop where students can bring in their diploma which can be photocopied as their entry form. (Graduation 2014)

 

College or Workforce Survival Kit

Whether it’s off to college or to work, here are some ‘necessities’ you can bundle together and sell to a title sponsor: iTunes download card, noise cancelling headphones/ear buds, and a tablet. (Graduation 2014)

 

Senior Class Gift

Lots of senior classes will give a gift to their school. Consider selling a campaign to a business that would be a part of the gift-giving. For example, a landscaping company that puts in a sitting area. (Graduation 2014)

 

Graduation Cere-“Money”

Sell to businesses that cater to grads (clothes for work or college for example). Students show diploma for discounts. (Graduation 2014)

 

Seeking Employment

Sell a temp-employment agency or other on sponsoring a “I’m looking for work” page on your website. For the month of June, allow grads (and anyone who listeners) to post free links to their LinkedIn or other personal page along with a brief description of their skills and the type of work they’re looking for. Test each first of course and a check with legal would be a good idea too. You could also do a different spin on this with a mentoring page. (Graduation 2014)

 

Dip-loma

Waterpark offers free/2-for-1 admission to graduating class.

 

Welcome to the ‘Reel’ World

Sell DVD retailer on giving away copies of each of the last four years’ biggest movies. Good interactive opportunities.

 

You’re Grades Were ‘OK” but the Music Was Great

Poll: favorite songs over the past four years; good interactive opportunities (“Why?”).  Free download cards for all participants (or random drawing for larger download card to randomly selected participants.

 

The One Most Important Thing I Learned in High School or College

Good morning show or Facebook question (be sure to share your own).

 

Graduating? That’s “Wheel” Good News

Sell a car dealer on a weekend remote and sale on a variety of different new and used cars for continuing or graduating students – some who might be buying themselves or some whose parents might be buying them. Hire a band and have free food. Offer student-related incentives like ‘a free oil change each quarter you’re in school,” free tire rotation each year when school is out, etc.

 

Graduate up

Sell an electronics store or cell provider on a “graduate up to a better device” promotion.  Electronics stores can offer discounts or take trade-ins on DVD players in exchange for Blu-Ray players, DVDs vs. Blu-Ray movies, bigger mp3 players, etc. Cell companies could take trade-ins or offer discounts on newer phones, plans, etc.

 

Teachers Are Glad School’s Out Too

Sell an upscale bar on hosting a teacher’s night out with free appetizers and music. Register attendees to win $500 in cash to go toward next year’s school supplies (or aspirins).

 

Block Party

Listeners register to win a “school’s out” block party for up to 30 people. Sell sponsorships to food-related businesses, beverages, company that provides party games, etc. with each sponsor also providing a service or consumable. Hire a DJ; post pictures online.

 

Honoring the Honorees

Sell this to a diner, ice cream shop, locally-owned fast-food place, etc. For the week following graduation, students will receive 10% off for each final grade of A and 5% for each grade of B. You can set a maximum discount if you like. Merchant should be prepared for repeat visits /discounts.

 

 

 

FATHER’S DAY IDEAS

 

Family Tradition

Give Dad (and the family) an ancestry.com gift. Sponsors include books stores (provide a book on the history of the country/region your family hails from), grocery store (gift certificate for international foods), department store (free luggage), even an airport (flight), etc. (2019)

 

Celebrate Dad Bod Dads

Create a package through several sponsor to give Dad some things his bod will appreciate: special shaving cream, expensive razor, moisturizer, etc. Even some nice shorts and a shirt to show off his Dad Bod proudly. (2019)

 

Coffee for a Year

Team with a coffee shop to give away “coffee for a year” (50 drinks). Add a special travel mug. (2019)

 

To the Best Dad Yet-i

Load up a Yeti with food and drinks from a sponsor. Bring others into the promotions with appropriate add-ons. Make this interesting by doing on line and “putting items in the Yeti” (check boxes will do). Collect email address so you can notify winners via email. (2018)

 

 

Pix for Pop

Sell a ‘remembrance’ store or card/specialty gift store on giving away “Dad and Me” frames with grand prize of professional photographer portrait. (2016)

 

Video Tribute

Station posts listener-submitted 60 second (maximum) tribute to their dad.  Listeners (or panel) can judge best. Top three dads win sponsor-paid-for prize (make it significant since video creation will involve some work). They can also appear on morning show (optional).  (2016)

 

The Dad Handbook

Listeners text or email advice from their dad, skills/values they’ve learned, etc. Can be funny or serious. Station categorizes and combines them into downloadable PDF. Random submissions win dad-appropriate/sponsor-supported prize. (2016)

 

Best Vacation with Dad

Station posts listener-submitted photos of dad and family on vacation (saved selfies with dad, pix of dad on vacation, etc. – alternative: tell us about it). Randomly chosen submissions receive small, dad-appropriate sponsor-provided prizes with grand prize of $1000 to go somewhere to make new vacation memories. (2016)

 

Flowers for Dad – Ver. 1

Lots of ways to go here – from edible arrangements to something traditional.  Obvious clients. (2016)

 

Flowers for Dad – Ver. 2

Sell a men’s store on giving away Hawaiian-style shirts with flowers. Offer an extra prize of dinner for two at a location where wearing the shirt would be appropriate. As a sales angle, have the client consider putting accessories with the shirt (pants, belts, etc.) on sale. (2016)

 

Dad’s Club

Sell a sporting goods store on giving away a set of golf clubs.  Add a private lesson from a pro.  Smaller prizes: gift certificates from driving range. (2016)

 

 

Some from Past Years…

 

Shop for Pop

Sell this to a lawn/garden/power tool supplier as well as mall or electronics store. Dads qualify to win their choice of either a home shop with new tools, etc. or $1000 to spend at the mall or electronics sponsor.

 

Take Dad to the Park

The prize is VIP treatment at the ball park. Work with the team to get the winning dad a stadium tour, player access, team jersey, and whatever else you can work out with the team. Alternately, get a section at the park and give away pairs of tickets for a game close to Father’s Day.

 

App-solutely Crazy V1

Sell a tablet-seller (or cell phone company) a promotion where the winning dad receives a new tablet and $250 to spend on apps.

 

App-solutely Crazy V2

Sponsoring restaurant give aways appetizers to dads as qualifying prizes with the grand prize $250 to spend on apps for his phone or tablet.

 

Dad’s Pad (iPad)

Give away an iPad pre-loaded with some movies, music, etc. as well as some pictures of the family. Sellable.

 

Proud Poppas

Dads like to show off pictures of their families too. Give away digital picture frames along with a camera to take and display pictures of the clan.

 

Up A Tree

Give away subscriptions to Ancestory.com and the grand prize of having a professional help with uncovering the family tree and an artist create a visual representation of it.

 

Type-Cast Your Dad

Offer multiple prizes for dads with different interests. Clothes-conscious dads could win gift certificates to a nice clothing store, outdoorsy types win sporting goods gift certificate, techy dads to an electronics store, etc. Come up with as many ideas as you can. Sell to multiple sponsors and have listeners qualify for the prize most like their dad.

 

Tractor Idol

Riding lawn mower giveaway that’s sold to home improvement center, lawn care specialists, lawn mower/tractor dealer. Multiple ways to have qualifiers:  snap of best dressed male cutting grass, frequency mowed into lawn, etc. Listeners vote on line for finalists/winner.

 

Everything I Know I Learned from my Dad

“@#$! My Dad Says” idea (the show may be toast but the phrase lives on). Give away prizes that match expressions: “Do you think I own the electric company?” (pay electric bill), etc.

 

What’s at ‘Steak”

Dads are all about meat (OK and  bacon too – or maybe that’s just me). Sell a promotion to a steak house called “What’s At ‘Steak’.” Nth caller receives free appetizer and are asked two questions (one at a time) ala what dad said a certain expression (choose a sell-known TV or movie); use multiple choice. 1 correct answer wins desert (in addition to appetizer), 2 correct answers adds entre to the appetizer and desert.

 

King for a Day

Sell to a restaurant that agrees to give all Dads a King-Sized portion at no extra charge. Or, more narrowly sell to a restaurant like Medieval Times that gives away free dinners as qualifying prizes and where one randomly chosen Dad will play the part of the King with all the privileges thereof.

 

Extreme Tie Makeover

Dads post online picture of themselves wearing their worst ties. Listener vote (make up several categories – gaudiest, widest, most out of date, funniest, etc.). Winners receive new tie and are in drawing for grand prize gift certificate (sell to men’s store).

 

You Look Just Like Your Dad

Talent posts pictures of their dads online and listeners have to match each dad with the talent. Winners receive dinner for two so they can take their dad’s out; via a random drawing from the correct entries, one person receives a camera so they can take more photos.

 

Step Dad

Qualifiers receive a gift certificate from a gym/spa and qualify for a stair master. Sell to both a gym and a merchant who sells exercise equipment.

 

Digital Dad

Sell this to a big box or electronics store. Offer on air and in-registration for dads to win digital camera, basic photography software, and digital display picture frame.

 

Hot Date Dad

Promotion where multiple merchants supply a night out for dad and mom or single dad and date: restaurant, movie or show tickets, clothing store, men’s hair salon, rental car agency, etc.

 

“Play, Boy” Dad (or, Dad for all Seasons)

Listen to win a Wii with sports software.

 

Cyber Dad

Set dad up with his own Facebook or web page. Sell it to a local web design company or use your in-house IT guy.

 

Dad for All Seasons

Baseball, football – whatever season it is, Dad has the sports package from cable/satellite company. Sell to cable/satellite provider, electronics store, sporting goods store, or non-related ‘male customer- based” business like auto parts or tire store.

 

One Less Thing To Worry About

With all the pressures on dads today, who has time to change the oil – or paint the living room or do yard work, etc. (and who wants to be nagged about doing it)? Pick one or more of these and sell to merchants who’ll provide these services as the prize(s).

 

Dad Always Said

Morning show bit with listeners sharing their Dads’ favorite expressions/words of wisdom. Or, more seriously, things they learned from their Dads.

 

First Time Dad’s Club

New dads since the first of the year or dads-to-be by the end of the year can register at Babies-R-Us type store for free merchandise/gift registry. Tie in with remote broadcast on day before Father’s Day.

 

Dads On Deck

Tie in with a sporting goods store and minor league ball club to allow Dad to suit up, take batting practice, sit on the bench, etc. Qualifying Dads win sporting goods store gift certificates and/or free tickets to a future ball game.

 

Some Dad’s Day Classics…

 

Father’s Day Olympics – Host the WXXX Father’s Day Olympics, featuring events like the piggyback race, the wagon pull, the don’t-step-on-the-toys obstacle course (using raw eggs as the “toys”), the dunk tank, etc.

 

Newest/Oldest Father Contest – Find the listener with the youngest child and the listener with the oldest child. Award aspirin, earplugs and an eye pillow to the father with the youngest child and award adult diapers and Ensure to the father with the oldest child.

 

Take Dad To The Movies – Sell a theater on giving dads free popcorn and soft drinks when accompanied by their kids (they buy the tickets, theater treats for the popcorn).

 

Fishing for Father – Team with a seafood restaurant and a fishing pier to let dad either fish for free or receive a free fish dinner.

 

See How This Suits You – Sell this to a men’s store. Using a hi-low approach, listeners guess the jacket size, sleeve length and inseam of a suit the “station tailor” is working on. Correct guesses win a complete wardrobe, and everyone who guesses wins socks.

 

That’s The Ticket – Play easy sports trivia with kids, wives to win tickets for dad to a local sporting event. Sell this promotion to a store that has mostly male customers.

 

Tie One On – Sell a men’s clothing store this promotion. Ask trivia questions with answers that contain the letters “tie.” Correct guessers win free ties for dads and are eligible for the grand prize of a new wardrobe.

 

Calling All Cars – Sell this to an auto parts store or repair shop. Dads or others win gift certificates by answering multiple choice questions about car parts. Example: Which part is not required to stop your car: drum, shoe, dryer.

 

Cards For Daddy – At all remotes from June 1 – Father’s Day, bring crayons, card stock, stickers, and other supplies for kids to make Father’s Day cards while mom does shopping. Also a reason to set up shop/up-sell a schedule to existing accounts whose clientele is predominantly women with younger children.

 

Take Your Best Shot – Dads’ names are registered on 3×5 index cards at a home improvement store. During a remote, the cards are stapled to a large sheet of plywood. Once each hour, a nail gun is fired at the plywood by a store employee; the name on the card that is hit wins a gift certificate, Dad’s Day collection of tools or other merchandise. Also works any time of the year.

 

If You Build It They Will Come – Team with a home improvement store to register dads to win gift certificates. Or do joint promotion with home improvement center, township and volunteer dads to build something to benefit your community (sand boxes for playgrounds, wooden containers for recycling, etc.). Could generate excellent press for the station and the client!

 

If You Fix It They Will Come – Work with local police department to fix broken bicycles that could be donated to the needy. Dads (or men who aren’t dads but who’d like to do something for kids without a dad at home) sign up to fix bikes over a weekend. Station awards T-shirts to all dads who participate and qualifies them to win a bike for each member of their family. Bicycle store, sporting goods store, sports drinks, etc. are possible sponsor tie-ins.

 

If You Assemble It, They Will Come – OK – last one of these! Dads are qualified to assemble grills with no instructions. Winner receives grill and 50 pounds of food to cook on it! For added bonus points, client and station can each donate another 50 pounds of food to local food bank. Supermarkets, food vendors, restaurants, paper product producers, soft drink vendors and anyplace that sells grills are all potential sponsors.

 

Tie One On – Tie-in a tie store to give dad gift certificates.

 

“So Much Like My Dad” – Hold a look-alike contest searching for the father and child that look most alike. Have four categories of children: up to 2 years old, 2-10 years old, 11-21 years old and over 21. Winners are determined by celebrity judges and receive family portrait, father and child outing, etc. Good for a mall. Local press coverage is a possibility especially if you put a “warm and fuzzy” spin on it.

 

A Contest “Fore” Dad – A free day on the links, free golf equipment, etc. are the prizes. Dad registers at local golf equipment store (or family registers their golfing dad) to win. Alternate prize: golf lessons. Also can involve a local Putt-Putt or set up a putting green at a remote location (like at a sporting goods or golf store). Qualify by one-putting either with a regular golf ball or for goofiness, use a plastic (or even real) egg!

 

Father Mows Best – Work with a client involved with lawn mowers for in-store registration, during remote hold riding lawn mower obstacle course contest.

 

Be a Step Dad – Win Stairmaster, use of Stairmaster at local gym.

 

 “No, Dad, I’ll Get The Check!” Dad gets to go out to dinner but doesn’t have to pick up the check. Give away meals for dad at nice local restaurants.

 

Cool Dads – Tie-in with ice cream or frozen yogurt store, grocery store or supplier to give away product. Register to win a “cool” grand prize from a new freezer, “cool wardrobe,” etc.

 

“Pop Quiz” – All week, ask trivia questions about famous fathers. Qualifiers win coolers with cases of soft drinks, with drawing for grand prize of new freezer, kitchen, etc.
“Caddy for Daddy”—Two choices: Dad gets the lease of a Cadillac for a year OR free rounds golf with a caddy (or cart).

 

“We’ll POP for the Movies” – Give dad tickets to the movies – and free POP-corn of course!

 

Dad for a Day – Work with local chapter of Parents Without Partners to be a “Stand In Dad For A Day” with station supplying tickets to ballgame, movie, roller rink, etc.

 

“Dad Always Said…” – Morning Show bit with listeners calling in their fathers’ favorite expressions.

 

Call Dad On Us – Team with long distance provider or cellular phone service to offer listeners free calls to dad (or so dad can call his kids). Interesting factoid: More collect calls are made on Father’s Day than on any other day of the year.

 

A LITTLE MORE FATHER’S DAY FODDER

 

WHOSE DAD IS IT?

Line up some celebrity dads and let your caller ask one question that would get a yes or no answer, then the caller would get one guess as to whose dad it was.

 

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

Name three TV kids and listeners give the TV Dad. Do them 3 at a time:

 

Bam Bam — Barney Rubble

Eddie Munster — Herman Munster

Bart Simpson — Homer Simpson

Jan Brady — Mike Brady

Rudy Huxtable — Heathcliff Huxtable

Pugsly Adams — Gomez Addams

Alex P. Keaton — Steven Keaton

 

 

 

NAME THAT TV DAD

Or, name the show, listeners say the dad. Get 2 in a row to win:

 

“Family Ties,” Steven Keaton

“Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” Tom Corbett

“All In the Family,” Archie Bunker

“Lost In Space,” John Robinson“Family Matters,” Carl Winslow

“Step By Step,” Frank Lambert

“The Simpsons,” Homer Simpson (would also accept Abe)

“Good Times,” James Evans

“Frasier,” Martin Crane (Frasier’s a dad, too, so accept that)

“Boy Meets World,” Allen Matthews

“Dennis the Menace,” Henry Mitchell

“I Love Lucy,” Ricky Ricardo

“Happy Days,” Howard Cunningham

“Laverne and Shirley,” Frank De Fazio

“Empty Nest,” Dr. Harry Weston

“Soap,” Chester Tate

“The Waltons,” John Walton

“Growing Pains,” Jason Seaver

“Who’s The Boss,” Tony Micelli

“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Phillip Barnes

“Bewitched,” Darren Stevens

“Married With Children,” Al Bundy

“King of the Hill,” Hank Hill

“Seinfeld,” Morty Seinfeld

 

FATHER’S DAY PHONERS

 

What movie title best describes your dad?

What TV dad is most like your dad?

What actually happened when your father got home?

What funny (stupid) phrase did your dad always use? (Pull my finger?)

When did you first recognize your dad as another guy, not just your dad?

If you could have an extra dad, who would you choose?

The last man you’d ever want to be your dad!

Your first memory of your dad.

Rockin’ dads: The time you caught your dad jammin’ to a great rock tune.

How did dad explain “the Birds and the Bees, or did he?”

Do you have a celebrity-look-alike dad?

Look for the oldest and youngest dads who are listening.

The best advice your dad ever gave you.

Your dad’s nicest little secret!

How did your dad embarrass you?

Did your dad ever save your life?

Strange nicknames for dad.

What’s the most embarrassing thing your dad ever did to you?

Biggest jam your dad ever got you out of.

First lie you ever told your dad.

Best thing about your dad.

Have listeners tell you about their dad’s most ridiculous pair of boxers.

Most stubborn dad story.

If your dad could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Have “Panel of Dads” decide what they would most like for Father’s Day.

Ask mom to have kids 10 and under complete this statement: “My dad’s better ‘n your dad cuz…” then e-mail or fax them to station. Good fun potential.

FATHER’S DAY SONGS
Best Day – George Strait
Box, The – Randy Travis
Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash
Busy Man – Billy Ray Cyrus
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Daddy And Home – Jimmie Rodgers, Tanya Tucker
Daddy Come & Get Me – Dolly Parton
Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man) – Merle Haggard
Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind – Confederate Railroad
Daddy Sang Bass – Johnny Cash
Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man – Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton
Daddy What If – Bobby Bare
Daddy Won’t Sell The Farm – Montgomery Gentry
Daddy, What’s A Train – Utah Phillips
Daddy’s Come Around – Paul Overstreet
Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
Daddy’s Last Letter (Private First Class John H. McCormack) – Tex Ritter
Daddy’s Money – Ricochet
Drive – Alan Jackson
Forty Again – John Berry
Games That Daddies Play – Conway Twitty
Got A Letter From My Kid Today – Asleep At The Wheel, Merle Haggard
Greatest Man I Never Knew – Reba McEntire
Grown Men Don’t Cry – Tim McGraw
He Didn’t Have To Be – Brad Paisley
He Walked On Water – Randy Travis
Hot Rod Lincoln – Asleep At The Wheel
I Don’t Call Him Daddy – Doug Supernaw
I Think About You – Collin Raye
I’m A Long Gone Daddy – George Jones, Hank Williams, Hank III
I’m Already There – Lonestar
Jacob’s Ladder – Mark Wills
Keep It Between The Lines – Ricky Van Shelton
Key To Life, The – Vince Gill
Love Without End, Amen – George Strait
Man He Was, The – Goerge Jones

My Daddy Was A Milkman – Kentucky HeadHunters
My Father’s Fiddle – Dave Loggins
My Old Man – Jerry Jeff Walker, John Denver, Steve Goodman
My Son Calls Another Man Daddy – Hank Williams/Drifting Cowboys
Night I Called The Old Man Out – Garth Brooks
No Sir – Darryl & Don Ellis
Old Coyote Town – Don Williams
Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line – Hank Williams, Jr.;Kentucky
Papa – Bill Anderson
Papa Loved Mama – Garth Brooks
Pistol Packin’ Papa – Hank Snow, Jimmie Rodgers
Roots Of My Raising -Merle Haggard/Strangers
Seein’ My Father In Me – Paul Overstreet
Shimmy Shakin’ Daddy – Maddox Brothers & Rose
So Much Like My Dad – George Strait, Willie Nelson
Sugar Daddy – Bellamy Brothers
That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine – Doc Watson, Gene Autry
There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang – Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings
They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore – Boy Howdy
To Daddy – Emmylou Harris
Truckin’ Dad – Dave Dudley
Unconditional – Clay Davidson
Where Corn Don’t Grow – Travis Tritt
Who I Am – Jessica Andrews

 

 WEDDINGS

Create a bridal directory webpage and sell sponsorships to bridal-related businesses – from wedding dress shops to caterers to DJs and even a hotel that could offer a special bonus for bridal parties and wedding guests. Promote the page using an on air “wedding tips” series of spots that direct listeners to the page. (Weddings 2017)

 

OTHER JUNE/SUMMER EVENTS/IDEAS

 

First Day of Summer Remote

Make this as large as you want – from a couple of one-hour van stops to a full day of broadcasting from different locations. Sell remotes to businesses that sell summer-related merchandise: ice cream, sun tan lotion, clothing, etc. Register listeners who come by to win a summer-related prize like gift certificates from the merchants you’re broadcasting from or a new grill. Theme: don’t wait to celebrate summer in your town. (Summer 2017)

 

On Air Idea: Summer Ettiquette

1 – Outside of the beach or pool, is it tacky if guys go shirtless? 2 – When is sweat sexy and when is it just plain gross. 3 – Whould men shave their pits or backs in the summer? (Summer 2017)

 

On Air Idea: Tacky T-Shirts

Listeners share tacky or just plain funny T-Shirts they’ve seen. Also: the oldest T-Shirt you or womone you live with still has and why; bonus points for sending in a snap of it. Summer 2017)

 

LUNCH DESK-JOCKEY

Take advantage of the growing trend of people eating at their desks to sell a promotion to an upscale restaurant that used to do bigger sit-down business about take out (or even delivery).

 

BIKE TOUR

Sell a bicycle shop on hosting a ride. Listeners reserve a spot by registering on the station’s website (a special, sponsored page). Station provides refreshments (sold to other sponsors) at the midpoint and end. Choose a route that’s good for picture taking.

 

ULTIMATE POOL GIVEAWAY

Register listeners for the ultimate pool prize: an in-ground pool, complete with custom decking and fencing. Partner with pool supplier, contractors, etc.

 

TAKE A HIKE!

Take a hike…and more! Compile the ultimate summer prize package: Tents, sleeping bags, cots, coolers, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, hats, sunscreen, bug repellent, bikes, roof rack cargo systems, canoes, fishing boats, ski boats, camper trailers, campers, trucks, private islands. Well, you get the idea. There’s a partner out there for all of these items. See what kind of package you can put together.

 

CONCERT IN YOUR BACKYARD

Partner with a country artist who will come perform a concert in a listener’s backyard for them and 20 of their friends. Sponsors include catering company, grocery store, butcher shop, barbecue supply store, etc.

 

GARAGE SALE KITS

Listeners having garage sales e-mail their addresses to the station, which posts sale sites on a special web page. Station also send them price stickers, pre-printed “Garage Sale” poster boards, roll of quarters, etc.

 

SUMMER “ON-AIR JOB FAIR”

Contact area businesses looking to hire summer help and offer them free “now hiring” public service announcements. Good PR/public service plus also gives sales folks an opportunity to make a pitch.

 

SUMMER INTERNS

We talk a lot about interesting young people in radio. Why not invite kids to participate in two-week “summer intern” program at station? Great PR and word-of-mouth opportunities.

 

GO FISH

Sell a series of one-hour “fishing remotes” where listeners “fish” in kiddy pools for prizes and a chance to win a trip to a seashore resort this summer. Additional revenue potential possible by displaying fishing gear/supplies from dealers. Or, during a remote at a fishing supply store, hold little kids fishing rodeo with magnetized hooks and fish marked with prizes; register adults for big prizes. Or team with charter boat to give away half-day or full-day fishing trips. Add supermarket or fish market as sponsor with consolation prizes of fresh fish so those who didn’t win a trip can still brag about something they caught!

 

SUMMERTIME BLUES WEEKEND

Sell weekend promotion to blue jeans store. Give away pairs each time Alan Jackson’s “Summertime Blues” is played.

 

TWO FOR THE ROAD WEEKEND

Listeners call when they hear a two-fer and win a tank of gas and two passes to a nearby attraction they can drive to. Say the secret phrase (your positioning phrase or other) and get the two tickets upgraded to family four-pack.

 

SUMMER WEAR WEEK AND WEEKEND

Sell this promotion to sunscreen manufacturer or drug store, or to Pepsi or other beverage company. Screen summertime-commemorative visors, tank tops, painters’ caps and give these and sunscreen or beverage products away all weekend on the air and until they’re gone at one-hour “summer wear remote stops.” Optional “big deal” add-on: register all winners in the grand prize drawing for beach or mountain resort vacation.

 

BACKYARD VACATION

Sell a multi-sponsor promotion to businesses selling backyard/outdoor fun merchandise (patio furniture store, vendor of outdoor games, grill, supermarket, etc.). Listeners register at sponsor locations or submit guesses as to the total value of the package (offer clues on air or at sponsors). Closest guess without going over wins it all.

 

GO ON VACATION FOR A “SONG”

Put together a montage of songs that are related to a vacation spot or type of vacation. First listener to solve the montage wins the vacation. Sell clues to sponsor locations.

 

START OF SUMMER (S.O.S.) CONCERT, PARTY, ETC.

For the first weekend of summer, host concert, party at club, etc. Feature live music and giveaways from merchants (tie in to S.O.S. sale for first day of summer).

 

THOUSAND GALLON THURSDAYS

For a month of Thursdays, give away 1,000 gallons of gas (limit cars to 10 gallons each) at gas stations in your hot zips. If the station has a service department, you can suggest trading some of the cost to promote their tune-ups or other “get your car ready for summer” services. Potential big media coverage.

 

EARLY FIREWORKS

Do a promotion with a software dealer that sells fireworks software (web imaging software) and an ISP. Register listeners to win copies of the program, free web hosting/design, and the grand prize of a trip to the fireworks display in Washington, D.C., New York City, Disney World or other big display near you.

 

PATIO PARTY

Sell a summer furniture store merchant a remote where listeners can register to win patio furniture. Tie in other sponsors to also include a gas grill, food, pool equipment, stereo with CDs from station library, etc.

 

ULTIMATE CONCERT PASS

Arrange for listeners to win tickets to every show this summer; multiple-client involvement with in-store registration, client premiums, etc.

 

HAVE A BALL AT THE BEACH (AND AT CONCERTS, EVENTS, ETC.).

Print logos on station beach balls and distribute for family beach fun, guerilla concert tactics, etc. Or tie in multiple sponsors and give them away as part of a beach bag filled with suntan lotion, flip flops, etc.

 

SUMMER SPIES

Interns try to find listeners tuned in at the beach, lake, pools, etc. and award them T-shirts and certificates from participating merchants, “value added” items from sales department.

 

JUNE BUG CONTEST

Team with VW dealer to drive a new “bug” around town, registering listeners to win either car or lease. Have plenty of station signage on it. Sell registration stops.

 

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Host station “Picnic in the Park” at a local park – an all-day event with sponsor booths, food vendors, demos from businesses, craft fair, face painting for kids, local art show of some kind. Invite safety officer from the local police/fire department for safety demonstrations and get them to bring a police car or fire engine for added effect. After dark host live music.

 

 

THIS SUMMER, GET A LIFE

Create promotion with summertime lifestyle prizes: sports car/convertible lease, BBQ-type groceries, sporting goods, vacation rental, family entertainment items. Multiple sales tie-ins.

 

DON’T FORGET TO WRITE

Listeners send morning show postcards from their vacations. Each morning, one is read at random and that person/family is entered in grand prize drawing for day after Labor Day to win a big summer vacation next year. The bigger the prize, the more the participation, interest, hype; consider exotic locations, a new minivan, large amount of cash, etc.

 

TREATS ON THE STREETS WAGON

Refurbish a vintage ice cream truck complete with station call letters. All summer hit the streets passing out ice cream treats, Italian ices, soft drinks, etc. from participating sponsors. Great for midweek heavy workplace locations to reach audiences working outside of offices. Also encourage non-profit groups to invite the station and its vehicle to their events.

 

“FORE” THE GIRLS

Hold a ladies’ day at the golf course with discounted fees, free lessons and demonstrations and registering for a free set of clubs. Or, hold weekly and add several contest like hole-in-one for a car, closest to the pin for make-over or equipment certificate or trip to famous out of town golf area. Arrange for a member of the LPGA to call the morning show.

 

HEY, SAILOR!

Near the water? Trade for the right to put you call letters/logo on boats and the use of one large boat twice a week. Give mini-cruises complete with refreshments for listeners, clients.

 

FISH STORIES

Make fishing reports more interesting by incorporating a fishing contest. Each week, award fishing-oriented prize for the biggest fish caught. Get signage at the docks, have flyers passed out in rental brochures, run a classified in the charter boat section of the paper, create a web site page for the report and contest and sell it. So that you don’t take yourselves too seriously, work in Tim Conway’s fishing tips tape (part of his “Garp” series) as part of a stager, gag prize, etc.

 

BIG SHOT FOR A DAY

The station manager is taking the day off, but you can take his place! Prizes include limo for a day, lunch at fancy restaurant, dinner at an even fancier restaurant, new wardrobe, laptop computer, etc. Trade most of this out. Winner doesn’t have to take the day off from their job to enjoy the prize, but if the winner is employed, promise that employer lots of “good will” mentions if your winner can be given the day off to hang with the station staff.

 

GET READY FOR SUMMER

Sell series of remotes at retailers who sell summer-type merchandise. Register listeners to win summer vacation package including merchandise from sponsors plus grand prize of week-long summer vacation for a family at a classy destination.

 

THE STATION TO BANK ON

Team with a bank to set up free checking for the many first time wage earners in the audience, kids having their first summer jobs. Register at the bank for a $500 savings/CD account jointly awarded by the bank and station.

 

FREE LAWN SERVICE

Sell a promotion to a lawn care service and award listeners free lawn service for the summer.

 

SUMMER-TIMES

Several variations. If you’ve got a newspaper in the area with the “Times” in its name, do a joint “Summer-Times” promotion. For several weeks, paper contains a trivia question, station reveals the answer (or where the answer is in the paper); or simply print entry form to fill out. Daily prizes are awarded. Clip entry coupon and mail to the station (we record database info and draw winners’ names) before passing entry blanks/winners’ names to paper. Winners are announced on morning show and in paper. Or simply present the paper with this idea and be its promotional partner only. Also works for small weekly papers.

 

BIG WHEELS

Work with one or two large sponsors. Secure fun vehicle (with sponsor and station logo on it) and drive it everywhere the station goes this summer. Listeners register at each stop and win qualifying prizes when they hear their name on the air. Sell numerous short remote stops to display the vehicle and sign listeners up. Give car away over Labor Day Weekend or last day of summer.

 

WHAT A ZOO

Sponsor day at local zoo with free/deeply discounted admission for kids, with clowns, face painting, etc. Great warm and fuzzy family activity. Several sponsors can underwrite cost, even give away free tickets at their locations or possibly have sponsor giveaways on site. Consider trip to Disney Wild Kingdom (or Six Flags Safari) as a grand prize.