This Week in Digital Media: College Radio Stations, Alternative Listening

On Saturday, The New York Times posted an opinion article that discussed the hardships of college radio stations and paid homage to many prominent universities whose radio stations have suffered from underfunding and under appreciation. The closure of these stations has caused quite a stir among avid music listeners across the country.

For a long time, college radio stations had been a place where new music could be discovered organically, and shared without the underlying desire to drive a profit. However, budget cuts, furloughs and other hardships have hindered these programs at thousands of colleges and universities and forced many to end their broadcasting tradition. As more stations close and more listeners are left stranded, where will consumers find their source for new music?

Many listeners have explored online radio options, but remain wary of the corporate agenda behind the broadcasting that they hear. Computer algorithms and beat synchronization can predict what you like from a number standpoint, but there is no telling who or what is profiting from your listening hours. Additionally, many music enthusiasts desire the aspect of “human touch”, and appreciate that someone like themselves put time into creating a set list and researching the artists and music they play.

The thrill of finding a new artist or hearing new music will never die among avid music lovers. There is an element of surprise obtained when a new song catches your attention; and college radio stations have long been the source of alternative and eclectic music from all genres. There is no telling where radio will go, as it is affected by so many other factors. However, we can only hope that “college” style radio will continue to exist.

To read the entire article click here.