Money talks

This is a follow-up to the KSJO article. I did more search on the topic and once again people are pointing to Clear Channel for ruining the good old KSJO.

For those not familiar with the background, the government deregulated the radio business several years ago, allowing big corporations like Clear Channel owning multiple stations in a market and across the country. That started a wave of consolidation in the radio business. Now only 2 conglomerates left: Clear Channel and Infinity. (BTW, Clear Channel is also in the business of selling concert tickets. They have been accused of using its influence in radio on pressuring acts)

Since then, a familiar pattern appears:
- Clear Channel bought a popular station.
- Fire some DJs, cancel some shows and replaced them with non-local syndicated shows (which are broadcasted to multiple channels over the country) to cut cost.
- Also, the station will be playing songs from a common playlist shared by other Clear Channel stations in the country.
- Local listeners lose interest due to lack of local focus. Rating plummets.
- Clear Channel changes the format to chase the current fastest growing market, which is Spanish.

Read more details: Inside Clear Channel [Rolling Stones] It also mentions the tie between Clear Channel and George W. Bush. Now you see why there are rumors about Clear Channel stations censoring liberal musicians.

So, the radio is one more thing that goes to the list of things ruined by too much emphasis on $ and bottom line by conglomerates.