Local Radio Caught In a "Bad Romance"

Image via WikipediaIn an age of You Tube, mp3 players and cell phones, there's more than one way to get your music.  For those who prefer things the old-fashioned way, or if you're one of those who can't afford all those cool gadgets, there's still radio.

In the Twin Cities, the local FM music stations (mostly owned by the Three C's--Citadel, CBS and Clear Channel) have been coping with budget cuts caused by declining audiences and ad revenues.  They've replaced deejays with "voice trackers" from out of town, and audio jukeboxes interrupted only by long sets of commercials.

The results of such trimmings?  Read on:

K102 (102.1) is the current number one station in town, according to the latest radio ratings.  Apparently, Minnesotans like right-wing country music.

KQRS (92.5) has dropped to third place after so many years at the top, an indication that classic rock has finally had its day.  Tom Barnard still rules mornings, even if he does broadcast his show from home, isolated from his on-air cohorts.

KS95 (94.5) now bills itself as "Variety--90's, 2K and Today", having dropped the 80s from its playlist.  They might diss icons like Neil Diamond in its commercials, but they still specialize in made-for-the-minivan music.  Colbie Calliat and Rob Thomas, sure.  But what's "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga doing here?

KDWB (101.3), which has been in the Top 40 business for over 50 years (not that they like to admit it), has responded to the challenge of new competitor KHTC (96.3) by posting its best ratings ever.

Obviously, the definition of 'light rock' at WLTE (102.9) has changed over the years.  The Bee Gees, Lionel Richie and Phil Collins have given way to Boston, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.  Does that sound like 'light rock' to you?  Or are they transitioning to a new format, to be revealed after the holidays?

The rumors of Jack FM's (104.1) demise have so far been exaggerated, as their audio jukebox keeps rolling along.

The Love 105 stations (105.1, 105.3 and 105.7) win kudos for having the best mix of oldies around.  So why won't they admit that they're an oldies station?

The identity crisis at KQQL (107.9) continues.  Now the geniuses at Clear Channel have hung the "Classic Hits" tag on them, a format that has failed twice elsewhere.

So, does anyone still listen to music on the radio these days?