get on the radio

1. To begin communicating (with someone) by radio. Lieutenant, get on the radio and call for backup! The pilot got on the radio to alert air traffic control to his plane's malfunction. I'll get on the radio and get a tow truck out here for you guys.

2. To seek to establish radio communications with a particular place or person. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "on." We've lost power in one of our engines. Get air traffic control on the radio! We've got to get the admiral on the radio to let him know about these enemy movements. Get Hamilton on the radio! Where are those parts I asked for?