I do. Most stations in my region are just crappy music and dumb call-in shows, but there’s still a few stations with quality programming. FM radio is where I get my news, where I listen to press conferences, old-school audio theatre and (surprisingly) where I get new music recommendations. Hard to believe that modern streaming platforms’ algorithms can be outperformed by traditional media.
Yeah, every day. BBC 6 music is where it’s at.
The thing with streaming services for me is the complete lack of humanity. Don’t get me wrong, I sub to Apple Music and use it quite a lot, but when I’m cooking dinner and want a person playing music to me, making recommendations, and just chatting away, there’s no substitute for human-presented radio.
Algorithmic recommendations are fine, but there’s something about clicking with a piece of music that someone has encouraged me to check out.
My favourite feature. But then, I live in a country where Kyle Sandilands was popular and each 2 minute song is interrupted by 4 minutes of gambling ads.
This is the only reason I keep a Sirius/XM subscription going (that and I got a cheap rate after trying to quit). While DJs are mostly insufferable, some of them do know what they’re doing and can prep a set list, talk intelligently about it, and give you more than just algo-slop.
That can be especially effective on some of the genre-specific stations. I almost feel like I’m learning something when Richard Blade is on First Wave and he can really put together a set. Billy Idol is almost funny with how quickly he announces songs but if he has a guest it’s usually a fascinating conversation.
I only listen to Craig Charles on radio 6, do you have any shows you would recommend ?
I listen to a lot of lbc which is a call in / talk station with news and has some amazing calibre callers.
I sometimes listen to wfmu which has no advertising and you are liable to hear a ridiculous range of different things.
To be fair, I’m mostly about Craig Charles as well. His funk and soul show is a genuine highlight of my week while I’m cooking.
As for other shows; Jarvis Cocker has just come back on Sunday afternoons, which is very welcome. Also, Cerys Matthews on a Sunday is great.
Thanks , will give them a try!