But as the 20th century turned into the 21st, radio as previously known has found itself in a serious decline. New technologies such as internet downloading, satellite radio, and I-pods have meant that music fans have to rely less and less on FM radio as their only source for new music.

The impact of new technology has reached a point where new bands can create a following though such internet sites as Facebook and MySpace. One example of this is The White Stripes, which has built a large following despite limited airplay on FM radio stations. They have done this through internet promotion, innovative videos and good, old-fashioned word of mouth.

The example of The White Stripes points out what may be the leading culprit behind the decline of FM radio: it no longer plays what people want to hear. One reason often cited for radio being increasingly out of step is the rise of large corporations in the music industry. Abramson, Arterton, and Orren, in their book The Electronic Commonwealth write, “At first it was thought that FM radio would offer listeners a variety of alternative programming; today most FM stations broadcast music and news that is indistinguishable from that of their competitors”.

Many would argue that a similar trend can be found in the record industry, a trend growing since the 1970s. The point here is that FM radio no longer plays what most people want to hear, and with the technology available today, they are finding their new music elsewhere.