A cursory examination of the local radio market shows the absolute domination of rock and roll in the FM radio marketplace. Rock and roll is loud, it can be shrill and the fact that the FM spectrum is dominated by rock and roll is a good indication that the entire marketplace is not being served. Many listeners, who prefer other musical forms, are not being properly served because of this structural imbalance in the ownership and management of stations.

It is up to the government, then, to step in and challenge owners and managers of FM radio stations to better serve the marketplace. The one outlet for “smooth jazz” gave into the trend and changed formats to rock and roll. Another station stepped in to offer smooth jazz but at the price of abandoning classical music. There is no longer a classical music station in Milwaukee. (Some people have said there is more culture in yogurt than in Milwaukee radio.)

Perhaps it is time that legislative action be taken to balance the offerings on the FM dial and make sure that fans of classical music will have a station to listen to.