IS THE MODERN-ROCK FORMAT SELF-DESTRUCTING?

Why do Modern-Rock programmers insist on playing it safe when it comes to playing viable new music? What does it say about the vibrancy of a format when current songs comprise less than 20% of a station’s playlist, and the biggest current was “broken” by a car commercial (Empire of the Sun), while format-serving obvious hits like Tame Impala’s latest are nowhere to be found?

In her latest Post Modern column, Karen Glauber asserts that something is rotten in the state of Modern Rock, and suggests to programmers—in no uncertain terms—what they MUST do in order for the format to survive. Warning: There’s a lot of YELLING in her commentary. Maybe Karen needs a change of scene. Austin is lovely this time of year…