It has been reported that Emmis Communications has sold New York’s 98.7FM to ESPN Radio, which will only broadcast sports radio, and no longer hold a place for urban music.
What does this mean for urban radio?
It could very well mean something great for those who are tired of listening to the same thing over and over. What many people don’t realize is that the radio is one of many advertising platforms. The radio industry is not in business to support your music fix, but to advertise to it’s listeners. They keep our attention with music, so that we stay tuned in long enough to listen to commercials and other promotions that are proven to generate revenue.
Lately, the quality of content in urban music has shifted to praising materialism, rather than self-awareness. For years, radio programs have force fed music to us until we can no longer bear to listen to the same song over and over.
Since the rise of the internet and free downloads, the music industry has changed greatly, and many popular advertising and revenue outlets are near to becoming extinct. As unfortunate as this news sounds, it may be for the best if we are serious about making a change in our communities and how we are perceived on a broader level.
