Local Radio Is Getting Tuned Out. Thanks Internet (article from Fox News)

[joesixpack]

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/01/local-radio-getting-tuning-out-thanks-internet/?test=faces

Thought the good folks on here would find this article interesting. Do any of you see this happening, specifically here in Houston? Obviously, the big companies own most of the stations here, but do any of you think they're just going to start shutting them down?

 

[rbrucecarter5]

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/01/local-radio-getting-tuning-out-thanks-internet/?test=faces

Thought the good folks on here would find this article interesting. Do any of you see this happening, specifically here in Houston? Obviously, the big companies own most of the stations here, but do any of you think they're just going to start shutting them down?

I don't think anybody will go silent. But Houston radio is a prime example of what is wrong with corporate radio. By the time the lawyers and focus groups are finished with it, it is so lukewarm and bland it appeals to an ever narrower and narrower demographic - one every station in town is trying to cover. Until no station can make money reaching an ever shrinking portion of the same piece of the pie. But somebody will be suckered into buying the license, and probably losing money on it, until all local stations are deflated so much in value maybe some diversity could return.

One thing is for sure - HD radio sure saved radio. Yep - people couldn't rush down to the stores fast enough to buy new radios. HD-2 formats all at the top of the charts, local shortages of HD radios. HD radios stolen out of dashes of cars by thieves desperate to sell them to people eager for the new technology.

HD-2, where you send uncomfortable and unwanted formats to die. Like the gospel format from 92.1. I feel for those listeners.

 

[notmenoti]

I know quite a few people who pay for either Pandora or XM, rather than listening to Houston-area radio stations. I'm an XM subscriber myself. I got tired of Houston's "news" stations becoming rant radio outlets, and hearing the same six songs on the radio.

Since we lost our smooth jazz station, I've found 2-3 online that I really like. Back when I could listen to various local UK stations online, I did that too. I still check out Radio One and 6 Music from time to time. Sadly, Houston radio got stale for me a long time ago, and I'm not the only person I know who feels that way.

 

[stan]

I've given up on Houston ever having a decent oldies/classic hits station. I'm glad I can listen to KRTH online.