Why do radio stations want you to call in?

Question

What's their angle? Do they have caller ID and store your info for telemarketers? Are they documenting listenership? Some stations want you to text msg them. Are they keeping your information?

Answer 1

Listeners feel more connected to the shows they hear just by knowing that they can call in and give their two cents. Listeners that do win and the show/station wins. How is it a win ~ win situation? Those that do call in stay faithful listeners and enjoy the show(s) more, while the stations arte increasing their ratings.
Higher ratings = higher marketing gains through higher priced commercial spots.

Skip the commercials get SIRIUS!

Answer 2

Radio is just a different medium. The worst thing that can happen in radio is dead air. Plus no one really likes hearing the host talk the whole time. By allowing caller interaction, new material is generated. The interactivity of radio is what sets it apart from TV.

Answer 3

Because sponsors want to get a sense of how many people are listening. The only way to get this info is to ask people to call in. From time to time they'll ask you to call in if you know the answer to simple questions such as whether gravity pulls things down or pushes things up, or whether whether fat ugly women should be considered people too. Even if they can't take your call, their switchboard will show that you called, which is what the sponsors want to see.

Answer 4

They do it because they know that a good portion of their listeners will make a complete idiot of themselves if they are put on the air. It's free comedy that they don't have to pay for.

They will keep some information, such as the number you dialed in, just in case they get one of those phone calls that is either threatening or says they are going to commit a crime.