The Decline of 96.5 FM Classic Rock in Orlando and Beyond

The landscape of local radio in Orlando has seen some significant changes in recent years, particularly affecting the beloved classic rock format of 96.5 FM. This station, previously known as 96.5 FM and now often overlooked, is part of a broader trend that highlights the evolving definition of classic rock and the struggles of standout stations in the digital age.

The Same Fate Felled WDIZ Dizzy and Zeta7 Orlando

When we consider the case of 96.5 FM, it's important to understand that it's not an isolated incident; the same thing that happened to WDIZ Dizzy and Zeta7, both classic rock stations in Orlando, is playing out across many similar medium.

Similar to 96.5, WDIZ Dizzy and Zeta7 faced a similar challenge: maintaining a unique identity in a format that has been watered down by the encroachment of newer and broader genres. People today often struggle to identify what constitutes classic rock, let alone the original cuts from the late 60s to mid-70s that define the genre for many music enthusiasts. When stations like Dizzy came on board with chart-topping hits from artists such as Tears for Fears, they lost their core audience, forcing them to transition to a more generic interpretation of classic rock, much like 96.5 did.

The Evolution of Classic Rock on the Waves

The definition of 'classic rock' has shifted and evolved over the years. Stations like 96.5, which were once beacons of classic rock, now struggle to maintain the purity of the genre as the format has become diluted by the inclusion of more modern and crossover tracks.

Often, listeners must hop between stations to find a true classic rock experience. For example, 98.9 FM plays a mix of 70s and 80s music, but rarely veers into the deep cuts of the late 60s and the mid-70s that define classic rock. This means that for fans of the original format, finding a radio station that plays the roots of classic rock can be a scavenger hunt, even within the same city.

Cox Media Group's Shifts and Revisions

Amidst these challenges, Cox Media Group in Orlando is making significant changes to its radio portfolio. One of the most notable moves is the transition of Spanish AC station '107.3 Solo Exitos' to the 96.5 FM frequency. This shift is part of a broader reconfiguring effort where WDBO, previously known as ESPN 580 AM, is moving to its original 580 AM home after being a part of ESPN's sports network.

This move means that 96.5 FM will no longer be a classic rock station but will instead become a Spanish AC station, serving a different demographic. This change reflects the broader trend of radio stations adapting to the changing listener preferences and market demands, often to the detriment of specific genres like classic rock.

Conclusion

The fate of 96.5 FM is emblematic of a much larger issue in the radio industry. As stations struggle to find their niche in a crowded and swiftly changing media landscape, the risk of losing audiences to more generalized formats is high. For classic rock enthusiasts, this means less variety and a narrower scope of music they can enjoy on the radio.

As listeners, it's crucial to support stations that maintain a strong commitment to their genres. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or any other genre, let's hope that more stations can resist the temptation to water down their content for broader appeal and instead continue to provide the rich, authentic music that defines them.