I only have two radio stations programmed in my car. The first is NPR, which as of late has been more depressing (plus there’s been a resurgence of donation pleas), and the other is Indie 103.1. As of yesterday Indie no longer broadcasts using its FM frequency, opting instead to go the web-only route. Here’s the statement they released:
Indie Activist:
This is an important message for the Indie 103.1 Radio Audience -
Indie 103.1 will cease broadcasting over this frequency effective immediately. Because of changes in the radio industry and the way radio audiences are measured, stations in this market are being forced to play too much Britney, Puffy and alternative music that is neither new nor cutting edge. Due to these challenges, Indie 103.1 was recently faced with only one option —- to play the corporate radio game.
We have decided not to play that game any longer. Rather than changing the sound, spirit, and soul of what has made Indie 103.1 great Indie 103.1 will bid farewell to the terrestrial airwaves and take an alternative course.
This could only be done on the Internet, a place where rules do not apply and where new music thrives; be it grunge, punk, or alternative - simply put, only the best music.
For those of you with a computer at home or at work, log on to www.indie1031.com and listen to the new Indie 103.1 - which is really the old Indie 103.1, not the version of Indie 103.1 we are removing from the broadcast airwaves.
We thank our listeners and advertisers for their support of the greatest radio station ever conceived, and look forward to continuing to deliver the famed Indie 103.1 music and spirit over the Internet to passionate music listeners around the world.
I’m inclined to believe money was behind the decision in some way, most likely in the respect of advertising dollars correlating with the type of artists and songs included in a radio stations repertoire (though “Britney” and “Puffy” might be dated examples). If it is about money, I can only hope they have a something of a reliable economic model for this adventure onto the web, because the last thing I want is no Indie 103.1 at all. The station’s served as a bridge of sorts into the real world, as their format is the closest thing I’ve found to the beloved WIUX outside of college radio. I wish them the best of luck, though now I might have to go strictly iPod while I sit in LA traffic for countless hours.
Question: Do iPhones stream internet audio feeds? I am far from affording one, but that would be another great selling point to add to my list of reasons why I want things for which I have no money.
