Radio Stations Go Back to the Future WQXR and WBGO- June 20, 2011 WSJ

Posted in Reports on Jun 11, 2011

Last week, the initial public offering of Pandora—the Internet radio service that recommends music based on a listener's tastes—put the company's colossal impact in the headlines: Its technology had set new standard by connecting 90 million registered users to music they barely even know they wanted. In its shadow, terrestrial radio stations might seem destined for oblivion, especially the listener-supported public stations that specialize in niche markets like classical music and jazz. But in fact, two of the area's top purveyors in these genres—the all-classical WQXR and all-jazz WBGO—are embracing digital tools to position themselves as thriving multi-platform hubs. Even as the jazz and classical music industries face their own troubles with record sales and concert attendance, the stations that distribute the music are poised for a renaissance, fueled by live-streamed performances, HD broadcasting, social media and mobile applications. And it's not a moment too soon: As jazz and classical are increasingly abandoned by commercial radio, embracing digitization supports the music and expands their artistic communities.Last week, the initial public offering of Pandora—the Internet radio service that recommends music based on a listener's tastes—put the company's colossal impact in the headlines: Its technology had set new standard by connecting 90 million registered users to music they barely even know they wanted


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