The Return of Modern Rock Radio?
Despite mp3 players and satellite or online radio channels, your good old FM radio may become cool again.
In New York, KROCK has returned from a talk show format back to a modern rock radio station and in Philadelphia Radio 104.5 has emerged, filling a void that Y100 left in 2005. Suddenly New York and Philly became the two largest cities in the States without some sort of alternative radio station, leaving a lot of folks scouring for another source. Some radio stations tried to take advantage of the departure, a station like WMMR in Philly, where many former Y100 staff members fled and more modern rock tracks started to appear.
But, overall people were left without exposure to classic and current music from alternative bands. Sure, Y100 went online and is now on 88.5 XPN on certain days, but is just wasn’t the same. Especially considering the endless reuniting of 90’s bands or 90’s bands that never disappeared or even the new wave of talent. What other stations would give the more known current bands (like The Killers or White Strips) or the lesser known bands (maybe Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or Travis) the time of day and at the same time tossing in some of our favorite 90’s acts? The answer was few in New York and Philly, but now we can rejoice.
While some of us may have have found another radio station or enjoy the internet or satellite channels, FM is sparking my interest again. These stations may need some work, but it’s great to hear that New York and Philly are back in the loop. So maybe this is a sign that radio isn’t dead.
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