Having been in the industry for 34 years, I've become disillusioned by the state of radio over the last 10 years or so. Since the deregulation of the industry, we have seen almost all of the radio stations in the country become concentrated in the hands of a handful of big corporations. This had led to a homogenization of radio across the country. In fact, a lot of radio dj's on your local stations are sitting in a studio in San Antonio or elsewhere, recording the shows for several radio stations in several markets. For the most part, radio has turned into Walmart. Bland, uninspiring programming which appeals only to the bottom line.

But not in San Francisco. I love radio here. So much so that I've turned off the satellite. Radio here is more edgy. It has a distinct vibe not heard elsewhere. Oh, you can find the bland, formula style radio stations. You know what I mean. The "light rock, less talk" type stations that could be in Anytown, USA. And, in all honesty, they do well in the ratings. But you do have to look for them. The dial is not monopolized by them.

San Francisco is one of only 2 markets that I know of that has a high energy dance station. The other market is Phoenix, of all places. But Energy 92.7 has a distinctly San Francisco feel to it. It brazenly caters to the gay community. And the dj's can be pretty saucy because of that.

KFOG provides a cool, eclectic feel to the airwaves. You hear a nice mix of mainstream rock, along with the more interesting, less pop-y fare. The Bone transports me to the good old days of Album Oriented Rock. It takes me back to my long hair days, and makes me feel like I'm strolling the Haight smoking a doobie. And Alice is one of the best alternative stations I've ever heard.

No matter which station I'm listening to, I never find myself saying "yuck" and frantically reaching for the button to change the station.

KFRC is probably the most mainstream station I listen to. It's a 60's/70's classic hits station, and plays all the great music I grew up with.

Even the country station, The Wolf, has a unique non-country feel to it. Probably because country is sooooo NOT San Francisco. When was the last time you saw a country station doing a remote broadcast from a gay street fair?

All in all, I'm very happy with the airwaves here. San Francisco radio has brought back my love of the industry. It's too bad other stations around the country don't take a cue from Bay Area radio.