Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

["Scott Lundgren" <s_l AT mindspring.com>]

As local bands seem to be recurring topic:

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Artic
le_Type1&c=Article&cid=1035774934258&call_pageid=968867495754&col=9694831916
30

Nov. 30, 2002. 01:00 AM
Fiercely local radio bucks the sound-alike trend

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)—It's a radio format that far surpasses even the most
rigid Can Con regulations.

The mission of this city's WBZB-AM — perhaps alone in North America — is to
play nothing but local music. Radio consultants say they know of no other
station foolhardy enough to try it. And it means indie acts like Bandway,
the Belmont Playboys, Bigun Mother Nature and Bluesville get some airplay.

WBZB went on the air July 15. Its signal is so weak the station can be
picked up in the car only in a small area because power lines interfere with
it. It can only be heard in parts of Raleigh, and it broadcasts on the Web.

WBZB is the antithesis of the trend toward radio homogenization, including
syndicated DJs and sound-alike formats that let marketers promise businesses
that their ad will air every day, say, at 4 p.m. just after Phil Collins.

The station isn't paying its bills yet, said Ben Alexander, the station
manager, but it's getting closer. Besides, "we're having fun," he said.