Gone are the days when families would gather around the living room radio to listen to the news, hear their favorite stories, and listen to songs. With Netflix, movies, TV shows, and music streaming more prevalent than ever, it is easy to think the AM/FM radio died a long time ago. However, that is not the case. According to a 2014 analysis from Pew Research Center, 91 percent of Americans age 12 and older are still listening to the radio.
In an article published in The Washington Times, J.R. Ramsey says that as a radio D.J. (his radio name being DJ Dr. Nick based out of Twin Falls, Idaho) there is more than just playing music – it’s building and creating content. “The DJs that are doing it successfully have become entertainment brands unto themselves,” Ramsey explains in his interview.
While other media has gained rapid attention in the last few years, with Netflix, Sirius XM Radio, Spotify, etc becoming household names, radio has stayed marginally the same because it is easily accessible by the masses and it is free. While driving, people are still listening to the radio on their way to work or to pick up the kids from soccer. It is an easy way to have background noise or to hear the news during rush hour.
In the same interview, the general manager of Townsquare media, Janice Degner said, “The definition of oldies is changing.” Though when a listener thinks “oldies” they may think 60s and 70s, music from the 70s and 80s is being more widely played and music from the 60s is being pushed out.
The world is ever-evolving and technology is rapidly growing with new advances and new technology. In a fast-paced world, the radio holds true to its audience and holds the same standard it has held for decades.