Interesting. It also perfectly coincides with the rumor that JITM is moving to New York.

Yes, I have a lot of thoughts on that rumor... to be blogged shortly!

I say "welcome to the neighborhood!"

From the official press release:

KEXP, Seattle's listener-supported radio station, and Radio New York 91.5 FM, the city's public radio station, announced today that they are joining forces to create Radio Liberation, an unprecedented partnership dedicated to listeners and independent music.

Beginning on March 24, 2008, Radio Liberation will air KEXP-produced programming Monday through Friday on Radio New York 91.5 FM. The programming will feature a three-hour drive-time eclectic music show followed by three simulcast hours of The Morning Show with John Richards, a nightly world music show and a weekly music variety show hosted by KEXP DJ and senior director of programming Kevin Cole.

"This partnership will not only give greater voice to artists from the Northwest, New York and around the world, it will bring music that matters into the lives of more listeners than ever before," said Tom Mara, KEXP executive director.

Through the Radio Liberation partnership, KEXP will be able to reach another 14 million terrestrial listeners in New York, sharing Seattle's unique music community with New Yorkers.

"Radio New York will bring a fresh new sound to New York radio and galvanize a community hungry for great content," said Matthew Tollin, CFO/GM of Radio Operations for NYC Media Group. "Listeners will get the opportunity to fall in love with radio all over again."

As part of the partnership, KEXP and Radio New York will produce hundreds of live performances a year. With increased access to New York bands and touring artists, Radio Liberation will also bring additional "in-studio" performances to listeners on both coasts.

We have always been about the listener and the artist, said KEXP DJ John Richards. We all share a passion for music.

This is terrible!
New York needs their OWN local radio station and WE need OURS.
Nationally broadcast shows don't have the same spirit!
RIP Local Radio, for the umpteenth time :(

Looks like its time for TIG Radio Hour!

I think this is amazing. It's the spread of independent press that will still remain independently produced and programmed even once hugely popular - finally! I like this.

What a boom time to be in a band managed by or supported by John Richards. His taste in music will now spread like gospel on two coasts. Oh the joy.

I say we start up KCMU again. Like back in the old school days... when I liked the station!

The sooner John Richards moves to NY and KEXP severs ties with him... the stronger the station will become.

It's that simple. Richards' cult of personality has grown to the point where he is actually a liability to KEXP. His huge salary is the most obvious drag on the works but I think his taste in music is doing far more damage. I have friends who won't listen to KEXP because they "don't like that kind of music." WTF? Richards has actually made the station less eclectic and the bands vying for airtime on KEXP have been slowly homogenizing over the years to get on "his" station.

And BTW, wasn't there a freakin' strike going on when Richards came to the station?! Isn't John Richards a picket line-crossing SCAB?! Someone needs to write a story about that. Hello? ... Stranger?! ... Weekly?... anyone?

Jettison the guy already! KCMU/KEXP used to be community radio for Seattle. Bring community radio back to Seattle. Let New Yorkers deal with daily Pixie tracks and constantly hearing artists from Loveless Records.