Don't Leave Us, Big Brother!

For years, some of my rocker pals (and in truth, me too) have complained about the artistic effects of commerical radio consolidation on the FM dial. Then last year, the hated Clear Channel did an odd thing -- it allowed an L.A. station it sold ads for (though did not own outright; a Spanish-language concern owns the frequency) become the best American rock station I've ever heard, Indie 103.1. Terrific exposure of little-known local bands, DJs like Henry Rollins, the Sex Pistols' Steve Jones, and Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro; proper respect paid to regional heroes like X.

But now, in a cruel twist only hard-hearted deregulationistas could love, Indie's days could be numbered, due to new FCC rules that count advertising rights the same as owned frequencies. Seen that way, Clear Channel now runs nine stations in the L.A. market, or one more than is allowed. And the Spanish-language company may not see the wisdom in keeping thirty-something Anglo rockers happy. Maybe it's all a plot to get punkers on the deregulation bandwagon….