There are a growing number of radio talk shows dedicated to online auctions, including an eBay-sanctioned program called eBay Radio. Some programs are broadcast only over the Internet, others have a foot in each world.

My friend Gary Sohmers, an appraiser who appears frequently on the Antiques Roadshow, has been hosting a radio show about collecting for 4 years. "Calling All Collectors" can be heard on a number of radio stations across the country as well has on the OSRN Internet Radio station. The program has always included an online-auction news segment, usually featuring the founders of AuctionBytes. Not surprisingly, Gary's show features prominent guests from the antiques and collectibles world. The show is entertaining, never stuffy. Gary is an old radio pro, having been a regular on Boston's David Brudnoy radio program for 10 years before launching his own program.

James "Griff" Griffith hosts eBay's show, appropriately titled eBay Radio. Griff was eBay's first customer support rep, became eBay Ambassador, and is now Dean of eBay University. Griff interviews buyers, sellers, and eBay executives.

Internet radio allows for a national reach rather than a strictly local audience. Programs are archived, so you can review past shows any time. Some programs are broader in focus, such as WebTalkGuys (http://www.webtalkguys.com), which covers all things Internet-related. You can find a search engine of Internet radio at http://www.radio-locator.com.

Many radio shows have a toll-free number to call in and give your opinions or ask questions. And if you have an interesting business or story, radio hosts might be interested in having you on as a guest.

Sampling of Auction-Talk Radio Programs

eBay Radio
Host: Jim "Griff" Griffith, Dean of eBay University and eBay's first customer support rep
URL: http://www.wsradio.com/ebayradio
Call-in: 888-327-0061 (USA) or 001-858-623-0126 (International)
Tuesdays, 11:00 - 12:00 PST
Archives going back to show launch (July 2003)

Auction Talk
Host: Duane Dimock
URL: http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archives.asp?sid=83 Call-in: 888-514-2100 (U.S./Canada) or 001-858-268-3068 (International)
Saturday 1pm - 2pm PST
Archives going back to show launch (December 2003)

Calling All Collectors
Host: Gary Sohmers, King of Pop Culture and appraiser on Antiques Roadshow
URL: http://www.osrn.com/biogary.html
Airs Saturdays, 6 am - 8 am
Stations:
WEIM 1280AM Fitchburg, MA
WSRO 650AM Asland, MA
WPEP 1570AM Taunton, MA
WYAM 890AM Huntsville, AL
WGAB 1180AM Evansville IN
WLTH 1370AM Gary, IN
WVSC 1530AM Harrisburg, PA
KXAM 1300AM Scottsdale, AZ

Making Money on eBay
Hosts: Kara Gordon, Shirley Muse and Lee Mirabal
URL: http://www.wsradio.com/money_on_ebay
Call-in: (888) 327-0061 (U.S.) or (858) 623-0126 (International)
Archives going back to show launch (July 2003)