In case you haven’t noticed, radio is almost dead. Why? Major record labels with unlimited cash flow have been repeatedly nabbed bribing radio stations to play certain artists within the limited scope deemed worthy of the "mainstream." Last July, New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer settled an investigation with Sony BMG Music Entertainment-owner of several major record labels-forcing the industry giant to stop dishing out dollars to programmers.

Although the corporate music industry may be sucking the life blood out of radio, we do have some options. You can get on the satellite radio bandwagon (if you can afford to cough up the initial installation fee), or check out a growing number of independent, publicly supported, totally music-oriented radio stations that thrive in this region. Western North Carolina’s favorite is WNCW (www.wncw.org), a grassroots station that broadcasts from the campus of Isothermal Community College in Spindale, N.C. WNCW is a model for musical artistic equality and prosperity. Check out a typical play list from any given day, and you’ll hear the rock you recognize from Nine Inch Nails and David Bowie mixed in with the bluegrass of Bill Monroe or the New Orleans roots of the Wild Magnolias. They also offer shows that are devoted to specific obscure genres from Gospel to Dub and Afro Pop. In Charlottesville, Va., WNRN and the university-based WTJU are also making strides toward fresh, innovative, independent sounds. Even NPR affiliate stations are catching on, providing a compelling mix of new artists and ideas.

To me it’s common sense-we need to support those trying to reach beyond the polished corporate song for their listeners. If you value the opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to succeed, toss a coin in the fountain of independent radio. It’s the last great hope of keeping the giants of the music industry from suppressing creativity and swallowing up our publicly-owned airwaves.