I don't think the "but it's free" argument carries any weight any more. Pig Manure is free at most farms, but not many people line up to get it. The fact that millions of people would rather pay a streaming subscription every month than listen to FM radio should be an indication to IHeart and others the quality of the "free" programming they are offering.If they had the same on-air staff as those other places, they could cut the number of spots. But people insist on live hosts for broadcast, while not demanding the same from streaming. It's unfair.
FM radio is free and doesn't require a subscription. No user names or passwords. No giving up personal information. No need for internet connection. Just turn it on, and it's there. The other thing is broadcast radio stations are restricted by the reach of their local antenna. That's regulated and controlled by the government. Spotify is a Swedish company that has no regulations or restrictions.
The stations where you need local people are news, talk, and sports. You don't need local people to introduce music made by global artists who don't live in Cleveland. Cleveland isn't the music city it was 40 years ago.
The fact is that broadcast radio isn't the same thing as an internet music service like Spotify. So comparing them is apples & oranges.
And streaming now days is as easy as saying "Alexa Play insert whatever station you'd like to hear, or clicking the play button on an online player.
Heck my 2 oldest kids are in their early 20s and their streaming selections starts playing over their car audios as soon as they start the car.