As a die-hard fan of the Charlie Rose show, I've been thinking a lot about this the last couple days. This is a post-hoc rationalization, but I don't think my love for the show had to do with the host, but rather with two things: 1. (obviously) The consistently interesting guests, and 2. The format - dark, quiet, free of distractions, it was a respite from all the different kinds of noise constantly around us.

I fear that it will be difficult for anybody to re-create this atmosphere and find enough of an audience to remain on air (I was always surprised Charlie Rose was able to stay on air, honestly), and I doubt that anybody will even try. But I believe there are many great podcasts that can fill the void - I'll just have to create my own dark, quiet, distraction free place to listen to them in.