rock 🇺🇸

Rock radio stations primarily broadcast music from the rock genre, encompassing a wide range of subgenres. Early rock radio emerged in the 1950s, initially integrated within Top 40 formats alongside pop, R&B, and country. The late 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift with the rise of FM radio, providing superior sound quality that facilitated the growth of progressive rock and album-oriented rock (AOR) stations. These AOR stations played longer tracks and gave DJs more freedom. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed further diversification, leading to specialized formats such as classic rock which focuses on hits from the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s, hard rock, heavy metal, and the burgeoning alternative rock scene. Consolidation and corporate ownership in the 1990s and 2000s resulted in more standardized formats and playlists. Since the 2000s, digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SiriusXM have impacted rock radio, pushing stations to adapt through online streaming and social media engagement. Rock radio programming revolves around music selection managed by program and music directors, who consider audience demographics and listener requests. DJs play a crucial role by providing commentary, conducting interviews, and engaging with the audience.