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Progressive college stations, NPR, & WFMT. Everything else is weak, whiney, bubble gum, or smooth jazz—eck.
FM radio, once the mainstay for those seeking exposure to new music, is under attack from satellite radio, Web radio, and corporate playlists. Do you still listen to FM radio?
Due to the fact that I live in a lousy reception area of the UK, I switched to DAB digital radio a few years ago. It offers more channels and I can get a reasonably good signal, thanks to the use of an aerial amplifier and much fiddling about with its positioning. However, the sound quality is not up (even at best) to FM standard. I had to make a compromise, one way or another. My next tuner purchase will, hopefully, be a decent quality FM/DAB+ hybrid. On the other hand, the BBC additionally broadcast all their radio stations by digital TV, which offers better sound than DAB, so I try to use that option, where possible.
The quality of FM radio has diminished over the years, but to answer the question, Yes. I still listen to FM. Here in the LA area, FM radio has been recently improving. In particular, a new station called "The Sound" (I am in no way affiliated with it) has given way to playing large volumes of quality music, while decreasing the almighty dollar-oriented commercials. I also listen to satellite radio, which is far superior to FM; however, it is not possible for me to listen to satellite all the time, so I need to defer to FM. Then, there is the reception issue . . . .
Sure. For me, that's where NPR is. And there's middle of the road classical via WRR and background listening via any number of rock and classic rock stations. My dealer and I agree that my 30+ year-old Denon tuner and a Fanfare FM2 antenna is adequate to those tasks.
It's free, there is good general choice for me on the dial. It is, when played back on a good system, a true hi-fi and real sounding format. It has a body and soul to it, if it's being transmitted well and played back well by your system. Digital/satellite radio is often heavily digitally compressed and lacks life and soul.
FM still lives in my house thanks to 101.9 WRXP (NYC). I can play "Stairway to Heaven" or "Layla" whenever I am in the mood, not three or five times each weekend. Meanwhile, I am very happy to listen to "old stuff, new stuff, good stuff" the rest of the time. I am sure that there is a special place reserved down below for the Clearchannel Evil Empire.
Since I replaced my iPod with a Cowon S9, I have been listening to local rock and classical stations more than I ever have before. I had a high-end component tuner previously that just gathered dust, Now I know what the old Walkmans were for.
I love FM—doesn't that stand for Free Music? It's a great way to listen for new music. Living in the NYC area, I find myself tuning in to WBGO quite a bit. 96.3, when the mood strikes, is also a fine station. There are others as well. I enjoy satellite radio for the same reason—exploring new music—(though it's not free) and so far, I only listen to satellite in my car.
Of course I do! How am I going to hear good music? What media news outlet matches NPR? And in Columbus, we even get Ohio State, the Indians, and the Columbus Blue Jackets on FM. With good local music stations, why give up the radio?
Alberta is in a fortunate situation, having a publicly funded independent radio station. It offers exposure to a variety of musical styles and actually supports local talent. This station/network is CKUA and is also available online.