Are our radio stations failing us?

[LeMarchand]

If you look at this site, there are many, many questions about songs heard in adverts/films/TV shows. Certainly most of my recent music purchases have been based on hearing the tracks from pretty much anywhere other than radio/music TV (with the exception of Classic FM TV). I very rarely listen to the radio, as whenever I do, they're just playing the same old predictable playlists. Are radio stations missing out on an untapped market by 'playing it safe', or am I just the exception to the rule?

[sft42]

Maybe I am different than most but I have found Radio 2 to be great in this department...I am forever seaching through the playlist sections and finding new artists...Radio 2 in the form of the Wogan show was responsible for breaking Eva Cassidy in this country...I think it maybe depends on the stations you are listening to (commercial stations tend to play it safer) and what you are listening for at the time.

[Oliver]

There are loads of commercial radio stations out there with the same old stuff. They don't always give you the title of the track or the artist which is a pain. BBC or community radio is the best. There is hopefully a new community radio licence coming our way very soon for the UK!!

[answerbok]

agree with sft and LeMarchand and Oliver, apart from Radio 2 which is adequate at best, every other station i hear is garbage, except for maybe Century FM, BUT, you think we got it tough.. ask KEJ2000, 80% of American radio is owned or manipulated by Xtians and Jesus music garage style or jesus hiphop or jesus country is almost compulsory apart from intervals of Garth Brooks and Eva Casiddy; They really gone down the pan. Name one good successful band out of usa in the last 10 years?

[Mr Feesh]

Good successful bands from the USA in the last ten years include: The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, The Polyphonic Spree, The Strokes, The White Stripes, Interpol, Radio 4, Jurrasic 5, Ozomatli, The Dandy Warhols, Ben Folds Five, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Coup, Eels and Spearhead.

[LeMarchand]

It sounds like I should give Radio 2 a try... Thanks for the answers, folks - I haven't rated them 'cos it's more of a "discussion" thread. Hope this doesn't offend anyone!