In its 25-year history, it has revolutionized the medium of radio in the United States. Most would agree that public radio has reached a point of maturity, and much of its spirit and sound is based on enormously successful formulas and techniques that were invented at the inception of NPR news. These prescriptions work, otherwise they wouldn't have remained popular or enduring. But let's consider some them with an ear towards innovation. On public radio.
Genuine spontaneity is a powerfully effective advantage of real-time radio.
It is unifying, and helps builds the campfire around which all are gathered. Radio formats and programming must have flexibility to allow for unplanned moments. If spontaneity calls for flexibility, it means occasionally letting go of the notion that you have to control the listeners' experience. It means taking a risk once in awhile on the air. Listeners are pretty tough.