Are We Just Bored?

[John Sutton]

Public radio is often criticized for being too serious, too stodgy, not casual enough, etc. Much of that criticism is coming from within public radio. Is public radio's "personality" really a problem for listeners or is the industry just going through a phase of collective boredom with itself?

[Imre Fitos]

I think public radio's "personality" is not a problem for the P1 listeners, but potential new listeners might prefer different voices and approaches.

I see a definite interest to serve new listeners, but broadcast technology keeps radio from experimenting with new voices.

Experimentation on air takes time away from already proven programs and risks alienating part of the audience. The time and money involved in research, creation and promotion of experimental programs is also a significant issue.