Sorry State of FM radio Stations

[Frodo301]

Lately my mp3 player has been getting more use then it once did and it's due in part to major changes I've noticed in the FM radio segment. I listen to a broad amount of music from different sources. It is not unusual for me to be listening to an internet radio station one hour, my mp3s/cd the next and Sirius radio via Dishnetwork to finish it off. But I've always leaned toward FM radio in the car, due in part to being able to hear the local news/weather and some of the locally/nationally produced shows. I also enjoy a decent DJ that is not afraid to play more then just the hits. Where I'm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains I have access to 3 different state/radio markets all of which are medium/large markets. What I've noticed in 2 of the 3 markets is a shift to a format known as Simon, it also goes by Jack in other markets. These stations play everything from Led Zeppelin to Brit Spears. I have seen two very decent classic rock/modern rock stations changed to this format and consider it a dark day in radio programming when Pink Floyd is played right after Cindy Lauper. Their catch phrase is "we play everything". I enjoy variety but not quite to this extent. Has this happened where you guys live and if so how do you like it? Thank god for the Creative Zen. edit...I was in a hurry before had to take the baby to get shots. My biggest beef with the Simon/Jack format is that there are no DJs, no local news, weather etc. and this format of playing anything from country to rock flat out sucks. And it seems to only happen to those independent stations that not only play the familar songs but also play the B-side singles that might not get as much air play on the larger stations.

[Ferret_Style]

yah my favorite 80's station now plays really bad 70's and 60's music... don't get me wrong i like those too but not when i really want 80's music. Radio is becoming spam... just a little of everything thrown into 1.

[Drakon]

I don't listen to the radio. All they ever play are the "hits" over and over again. Gets to be really irritating. I only listen to my music collection on my pc

[Ferret_Style]

Yah i need to get an MP3 player... just too poor atm. That and i do not drive enought any more. Scary part is i started to listen to talk radio as i find it better with all the crud they play on the radio.

[daedal]

About 3 years ago, we had this great radio station called XFM who played all sorts of alternative, heavy and rock music but they were closed down and replaced with some god damn pop and gangsta rap crap that plays the same songs as all the other 30 stations we have. (I hate pop almost as much as rap)

In short, there was only one good station in this region and they closed it. Ugh. Marketing sucks.

[Dark Lord]

so far we dont have any of that crap out here. weve got 2 classic rock stations, one of which mixes in new rock from time to time. weve got a 3rd station that does alot of new rock/heavy metal and throws in some classic rock about every 5th song.