In the world of talk radio, there are two generally-accepted methods to allow a host a either a day off or a full-blown vacation. One is to do a “Best Of” program. The theory is the audience would prefer a rebroadcast of the host they tune in for rather than listening to a guest host. The other is to bring in… a guest host. That concept is favored by a station that believes having a guest host live in studio who knows the program and its audience is always better than a rebroadcast.

There is, however, a third option. It’s a concept most, if not all, stations are reluctant to try: The Stand-In.

If a station dared to bring in a stand-in, would the program suffer? Would the program benefit? Would anyone watching the program online even notice? Some believe the mere thought of it crosses a line. And if it crosses a line, what dark world would you be crossing into?

producer: Jill St. John
technical director / grip: Jane Apitz Doran