Still, Meegan acknowledged the true source of this boom, which was not egotism, but economics. Making scripted radio, which required writers, actors, and expensive sound effects, cost a fortune—and producers hated negotiating with unions. To stage an audience participation show, all they needed was a host and some unpaid volunteers, plus a sponsor to offer up prizes. At that price tag, even the jankiest content would turn on a fire hose of profit.
