While it might be admittedly scary to step away, for fear of missing stories or getting out of rhythm, it will be beneficial. The show will be there when you get back.
At its very core, a listener scrolling through podcast episodes is making a direct choice, and you're now armed with clear data showing you what hundreds or thousands of your listeners prefer.
How can we take advantage in news/talk with content and/or listener-engaging events that can engage beyond the die-hard political base? Think about how sports are able to hyper-engage their audience and grab the casual sports fans.
Trying new voices, testing digital opportunities, taking chances on content that may not be perceived as “traditional” in the News/Talk space, and experimenting with imaging, bumpers, and liners are all logical steps.
When you don’t have to spend every segment beating to death a game that has been overanalyzed by every media outlet in America, there’s a freedom — and a chance to grow your audience — that comes along with it.
Borrell Associates projects that figure will climb considerably over the next four years as the industry undergoes what it describes as a "great reshuffling."