Interesting article about the changes in The Current’s format over the years and how they’ve risen in the local radio ratings over the last several years. Kinda fascinating, if you’re interested in the mechanics of how radio stations pick their playlists in this day and age. The program director seems to have the right idea - he knows he’s not competing with other stations, but with iTunes and Pandora and a host of other online options.

I enjoy The Current - I don’t always like the music they play, but I’ve found several artists through them (see: Dessa) that I might not have otherwise checked out. As much as I joke/bitch about “hipsters” (and really, as much as I enjoy listening to the station, I sorta refuse to go to any of their sponsored concerts because the crowds are invariably filled with douchebags), it’s really awesome to have a radio station in town that takes chances on things that don’t fit in any usual format. They get some of my money every month for that alone.