Commercial radio is in a downward spiral. In the land of corporate America, advertising trumps good music. When all listeners have to choose from is crappy from this decade, boring from that decade, and the same old oldies, it becomes evident why satellite radio, mp3 players, and cell phone conversations have all successfully cut into the listening habits of modern Americans.

Fear not, dear reader, for there is one bright spot shining on every dial: your local National Public Radio affiliate. If you are not fortunate to know the location of yours, please find it here. Give it a listen. You won’t change back to a MIXX, KISS, or BOB anytime soon.

Public radio, in contrast to corporate commercial radio, is overworked and underappreciated. National Public Radio and Public Radio International provide programming for listeners seeking well-researched, non-biased news; informative, relevant entertainment; and the best in new and important music.

The First Act was introduced to public radio while taking care of some liberal education requirements. Their local affiliate, 89.7 WKSU, broadcasts from the campus of Kent State University, Ohio. (Note: WKSU is the national purveyor of the critically acclaimed music show Folk Alley, hosted by Jim Bloom.)

Tim has graduated to become a member of Oregon Public Broadcasting, 91.5 KOPB in Portland. As for Mike, he continues to enjoy the programming of WKSU as well as 90.3 WCPN Cleveland and 90.3 KEXP Seattle, a public music station based out of the University of Washington.

NPR is beaming to your antenna whether you listen or not. Its listeners fund their stations locally and public tax dollars help fund national public broadcasting as a whole. So break your robot music condition and check out "Morning Edition."

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