The more I interview today’s broad range of artist who recognize and appreciate Internet radio as a viable alternative to terrestrial radio, the more encouraged I become. You see, growing up in the musically enriched city of Philadelphia – which may I also add – home to a few pioneer radio broadcasters, I have allowed to have an inside peek into recipe that created today’s musical menu. I am seeing the rediscovery and adaptation of broadcasting models which were abandoned during the FM days of the 70′s. Early in the history of broadcasting at least Urban radio’s (which largely focused on R & B, Blues, Jazz, and Gospel) on-air personalities (disc jockeys) were very instrumental in promoting musical projects locally and nationally. Organizations such as “The National Association of Television and Radio Announcers” (N.A.T.R.A.) which later morphed into “Jack the Rapper” was the most well known and supported. A little side note, it’s interesting that this organization is hardly known about today but I will touch on that in a future post. It was these types of relational networks that layed the foundation for what we know as Urban radio.
With the systematic removal of these early on-air personalities (they had to much power) , corporations moved in and began to replace them with people who understood very little of the history, culture, or expression of the artist and listeners of these art forms. First went the Blues, then Soul and R & B, and most recently Jazz/Smooth Jazz. Again we see Urban radio stations shut down left and right while other stations pick up these musical genres, fail to mention the pioneers who carved out the genres, and refuse to acknowledge the broadcasters who fought to play the music when it was not allowed to be played on non-minority stations. Just some facts here folks.
But I am tremendously encouraged at the opportunity we have today because on Internet radio. I am very thankful that I am living in a day when technology has created a level playing field and people can gain control of their legacies and tell their own stories, which they lacked opportunity to do for so many years. We all truly have alot to BE THANKFUL for.
