Update II: Indie 103.1 going, going … to the Web
Kevin Bronson on
14
Indie 103.1 (KDLD-FM) has gone quietly into the night. A message just posted on the station’s website (about 10:45 a.m.) says:
BYE INDIE HELLO DIGITAL INDIE
This is an important message for the Indie 103.1 Radio Audience –
Indie 103.1 will cease broadcasting over this frequency effective immediately.” Because of changes in the radio industry and the way radio audiences are measured, stations in this market are being forced to play too much Britney, Puffy and alternative music that is neither new nor cutting edge.” Due to these challenges, Indie 103.1 was recently faced with only one option — to play the corporate radio game.
We have decided not to play that game any longer.” Rather than changing the sound, spirit, and soul of what has made Indie 103.1 great” ” Indie 103.1 will bid farewell to the terrestrial airwaves and take an alternative course.
This could only be done on the Internet, a place where rules do not apply and where new music thrives; be it grunge, punk, or alternative – simply put, only the best music.
For those of you with a computer at home or at work, log on to www.indie1031.com and listen to the new Indie 103.1 – which is really the old Indie 103.1, not the version of Indie 103.1 we are removing from the broadcast airwaves.
We thank our listeners and advertisers for their support of the greatest radio station ever conceived, and look forward to continuing to deliver the famed Indie 103.1 music and spirit over the Internet to passionate music listeners around the world.
This from an Entravision spokesperson:
“We’ve made the very difficult decision to cease broadcasting Indie 103.1 over the air. Instead, Indie 103.1 can be heard online on the station’s website: www.indie1031.com. A range of factors contributed to this decision, including changes in the radio industry’s methods of measuring listener audiences that make it difficult to continue broadcasting innovative formats like Indie 103.1 in the current marketplace. Moving forward, Entravision will continue to stay focused on our core business of Spanish-language radio, television and digital media.”
A countdown clock [inset] appeared on the station’s website shortly after 10 a.m. The URL in the logo (digitalindie.com) is not yet active.
The station launched a little more than five years with a format closer to college radio, or at least the independent-minded FM stations of the past, than the slick “modern rock” stuff that coats the airwaves these days. Its DJ-focused shows — many of which fell by the wayside in recent months — made for some adventurous listening, with the likes of the Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones, the Vandals’ Joe Escalante and Janes Addiction’s Dave Navarro among the many to host programs.
Indie also made an indelible impression on the L.A. music scene, with Mark Sovel’s local-music program (and the club shows the station assembled) helping launch the careers of myriad local bands.
It’s a dark day for the FM airwaves in Los Angeles.
You mean, no more legal advice from Joe Escalante? But seriously: It’s pretty lame when even Indie — which was pretty darn mainstream, in spite of it’s moniker — can’t make it.
Wait, what? I am listening to indie online right now and it seems to still be broadcasting. I know that they are both KDLD and KDLE. Did only KDLD (the OC version) close up shop?
My heart is broken into a million tiny pieces. That is the only LA radio station I’ve been able to stomach in decades. A gem in the commercial terrestrial world. A tragedy for Los Angeles.
This is sad, for sure. Indie was the only well balanced station in LA that broadcast good music. Morning becomes eclectic is too smug, KROQ is to poppy. There is nothing left on terrestrial radio in LA that offered such a wide range of just good music. Luckily I have Sirius. Unfortunately to get the mix of good music 103.1 provided, I have to flip between 4 different channels on Sirius.
I hope Jonseys Jukebox moves to Sirius. It would be their best move since signing Stern. Jonesy could possibly save Sirius, which is now trading at .12/ share.
Son of a bitch.
Well, this sucks.
I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO KROQ ON MY COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK!!
this is so horrible.
Wait, is this true? Is it really happening?
I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m calling Chuck P right now. This can’t be happening.
HELL WITH THE SUITS, ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR, SO I SAY TO YOU “SCREW, YOU SUITS” YOU TALENTLESS BASTARDS!!!!
(whimper)
What?? I’m so shocked. what the hell am I supposed to listen to today on the way home??
Wow, a sad day indeed. I remember listening to a newly minted station one night in my kitchen; no DJs, no ads, just f*cking rock and roll for a week solid. I could see the writing on the wall when I came home for Christmas last year; the ads didn’t fit what I figured Indie’s demographic to be (clamoring for $$ to stay afloat?) and Henry’s amazing show was shoved onto Saturday nights.
Cmon u guys can’t handle the truth!
No ratings!! First it was an electronic station that took away shares from “gay” KIIS . So clear channel hits up Entravision to lease the signal because FCC law of how many stations u can own in a market. So, it went ok for two years and when it was over Entravision took over the signal. Yes the new ratings meter does SUCK!! I listened to Sirius or my IPOD!! These programmers are programming for the biz $$$ not the people!! We want CHANGE!!
ENTRAVISION= Entra-Lack-Of-Vision.
Entravision is not prepared to deal with succes. Rolling Stone magazine declared Indie best station in US. Indie was one of 2 station for entravision performing 100% budget and they were considered in big buys just because people loved the format. Hispanic Market is imporant but this freakin morons are losers , they don’t even speak spanish well and also this is hilarious where is the densitie of Hispanics living in Malibu, S Monica, W hollywood and Newport Beach, Amazing morons trying to compete with 3 formats of same music of real winners, not losers like EVC at .88 cents the share. Hopefully tis company will be sold to more intelligent people.
By The way Hispanics from B Hills, W Hollywood, Newport they don’t listen F….. regional music , they listened INDIE or KLOS in the worst case.
EVC you lost the only good thing.