Amateurs Rule Radio, Especially Weekends

Why have so many radio stations opted to place amateurs on the radio, especially on the weekends? I am amazed at how many stations carry Ask the Expert type programming, and let the Expert host solo. Why not team every Expert with a solid broadcaster who should be viewed as a "book cover" to the Expert's content? In other words, a true radio professional with a superior voice should smoothly carry the program, effortlessly peppering the program with live announcements and call letters. Frankly, most often the Experts don't have a sense of when and where to pepper the plugs, and besides, the Experts often stumble and fumble over the material.

Do consultants advise radio station program directors to make their stations sound as pedestrian as possible? Or can't stations afford to place a professional broadcaster next to the Expert? Yes, Ask the Expert type programming is wonderful, but for broadcast the programming should sound better than a homemade podcast. A warm sounding broadcaster can give the programming a professional edge.

The greatest announcer/facilitator that I have ever heard was Mike Trout who was teamed with the Expert, Dr. James Dobson on Focus on the Family. Trout was always cool and in control and had a pleasant, inviting voice, and he made Dr. Dobson sound even better. By the way, I don't say Focus on the Family was the paragon of great sounding radio because of its perspective either...

I guess you can tell I have been driving around today, hearing amateurs rule the radio waves.
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