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There is, however, news value in the fact that there is growing dissatisfaction among radio consumers. Arbitron research shows that listening levels have declined steadily over the past few years, with dramatic declines among 12- to 24-year-olds. A study conducted earlier this year by the Future of Music Coalition found that by a better than ten-to-one ratio, radio listeners believe that DJs should be given more airtime for songs they think will be of interest, rather than be required to mostly play songs of artists backed by record companies. Fifty-two percent say radio would be more appealing if it offered more new music, less repetition, and more music of local bands and artists.
The Federal Communications Commission is currently considering the elimination of all remaining regulation of commercial media. They have conducted a number of studies on the effect of ownership consolidation on diversity and localism, including one on music diversity, and are taking public comment until January 2003. Readers concerned with this issue should get involved with the Coalition for Media Diversity. For details check out www.reclaimthemedia.org.
