Save KPLU Mass Media

I personally believe that the terrestrial radio industry is not near its sunset, well not just yet. Despite being threatened by the popularity of music streaming, this did not get in the way of loyal fans who haven’t lost the habit of tuning into their favorite top radio stations.

For others, millennials more or less, who have switched to online subscription streaming, listening to AM/FM radio may seem old school.  Old school or not, at least these people who have stuck their guns to good old radio listening won’t be asking themselves if their personal data have been compromised.

Here are the finest on my list in random order:

KKJZ 88.1

Long Beach residents will agree that KJazz has one of the best jazz programs.  You are definitely going cruising forever.  It plays all of them – smooth jazz to traditional jazz.  A treat awaits you on weekends if you are a fan of the blues. A pair of great headphones is recommended for this one.

KPWR 105.9 FM

Looking for hip-hop music and a dash of R&B here and there is definitely what draws me to 105.9 FM.  DJs are obviously seasoned so you get a good dose of scratching and live mixing.  If there is any one-liner that best describes the station, it’s going to be “hip-hop all the way”.

KXLU 88.9

This is one of the best college radios that could make other radio stations cower in shame.  While Loyola Marymount is an institution founded by Jesuits, you won’t be able to identify with their broadcast as they seem to enjoy playing what others don’t dare to play.

KUSC 91.5

Hungry for classical?  Why not if it will calm your nerves in the middle of the worst traffic.  The station is also fond of playing film scores and opera music which deserves to be aired but sadly aren’t by many stations nowadays.

KDAY

This is the cream of the crop of all rap stations.  It’s playing hip-hop loved by baby boomers and those from Generation X.  Want to hear the hits of the past decades?  KDAY has a roster of fine decades ago tunes.  I catch myself tuned in especially on Sunday nights.  Don’t want to miss Laboe’s program and will drop everything if I have to.

1.106.7 LITE FM

Talking about the rating game, LITE FM is one of the topmost in rankings.  If you are into mainstream AC, better tune into this station.  The station has been consistently getting good reviews and has a very wide fan base to boast of.

A lot have been said about the impending death of terrestrial radio, just like what has happened to analog television.  Is terrestrial radio a dying breed?  No, not in my books.  For as long as there are people out there who would love to turn that knob or dial, I would make a fearless forecast that it would not be digging its grave.  Maybe it will just evolve.

What was the pioneering radio station in the US?

The very first commercialized radio station was KDKA. Housed in Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse building, it commenced airing in 1920.  KDKA’s success ushered in the birth of more radio stations so that by the close of 1921, there were already eight US commercial radio stations in operation.  In the same year, KDKA started to air prizefights as well as baseball.

When did FM radio emerge?

In 1936, FM radio was introduced and was later assigned its respective band range.  Edwin H. Armstrong was responsible for demonstrating broadcasting via FM band with the help of a handful of stations scattered across five US states.

When was the golden age of radio?

The popularity of radio broadcasting rose in the 1920s up to the 1930s.  Radio back then was one of the least expensive modes of entertainment.  During these years, around 60 percent of US households owned a radio.

What does RCA stand for?

RCA is Radio Corporation of America was a government monopoly.  Later, however, the government allowed free competition among players in the radio industry.

Based on a national survey, more than 90 million Americans tune into online radio and this number is expected to rise further.  One of the reasons respondents patronize streaming radio is the availability of customized listening options.

Another survey reveals that the number of digital radio listeners in the US would climb to more than 180 million in a few years time.

With these stats about digital radio and radio listening habits among Americans,  many are asking if terrestrial radio would still be able to hold its neck above water.

A media research team says yes, terrestrial radio will stay for a while longer than what most people believe.  This is because terrestrial radio stations (AM/FM radio) still maintain a broader reach than streaming radio stations.  The combined market reach of popular streaming stations is only around 20 percent.

Another plausible reason why adults in particular will want to listen to radio sans streaming is the entertainment offered by station DJs.  Veteran DJs have undoubtedly huge followings.  Listeners are delighted by amusing content, a value-added absent in playlists.