FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio

In the annals of rock 'n' roll, there is no story more epic than the rise and fall of FM radio. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s, FM broadcasting quickly became the dominant force in music, providing a platform for a new generation of artists to reach a mass audience. For decades, FM radio was the soundtrack to our lives, shaping our musical tastes and providing a sense of community for millions of listeners.

FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio

by Richard Neer

4.4 out of 5

FREE

But in recent years, FM radio has faced a number of challenges, from the rise of satellite radio to the fragmentation of the music industry. As a result, the once-mighty format has seen its audience decline significantly. In 'FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio,' author John Covach tells the story of this iconic format, from its humble beginnings to its uncertain future.

Covach, a professor of music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has spent years researching the history of FM radio. In 'FM,' he draws on a wealth of primary sources, including interviews with key figures in the industry, to provide a comprehensive and insightful look at the format's rise and fall.

The book begins with the early days of FM broadcasting, when the format was seen as a way to improve the sound quality of radio. Covach describes how FM stations slowly gained a foothold in the market, thanks to the support of audiophiles and classical music enthusiasts.

In the 1960s, FM radio became the home of rock 'n' roll. Covach chronicles the rise of legendary FM stations such as WABC in New York City and KSAN in San Francisco, which played a key role in the development of album-oriented rock (AOR). FM stations also provided a platform for new and emerging artists, such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

The 1970s and 1980s were the golden age of FM radio. Covach describes how the format became a cultural force, reaching its peak in the early 1980s. FM stations were now playing a wide variety of music, from hard rock to heavy metal to alternative rock.

However, the rise of satellite radio and the fragmentation of the music industry began to take a toll on FM radio in the 1990s. Covach describes how FM stations began to lose listeners to satellite radio, which offered a wider variety of programming and a more personalized listening experience. At the same time, the rise of the internet and the decline of the music industry led to a decrease in the amount of new music available on FM radio.

In recent years, FM radio has continued to decline, with many stations switching to other formats or shutting down altogether. Covach explores the challenges facing FM radio today and speculates on its future.

'FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio' is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of music and broadcasting. Covach's book is a comprehensive and insightful look at the format that shaped generations of listeners.

FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio

by Richard Neer

4.4 out of 5

FREE