Yes. There is a magic to the smaller radio stations of the past and the diminishing independents that still remain like KNYE. They have personality.
I grew up near WAPE 690, an AM rock and roll station. They had an indoor outdoor swimming pool in the front of the building for people to stop by and use. They also hand built a lot of their consoles and equipment and were a dedicated group of people. They were also home to Doug Tracht, aka the Greaseman, for many years early in his career. He was quite a character on the radio when he was here before he went large market. It was all local and people were invited to come by the studio.
In this day of automated corporate rubber-stamped stations, it is always a treat to see the small independent stations succeed. They are really what radio is about.
Even a big city can have a station with flavor. In Chicago, we had WXRT. In Boulder CO, KBCO. They had a format that was called AAA Adult Album Alternative - that at the time didn't have a name! It was the forerunner to 90s era "alternative." On the other hand, stations that get too eclectic and have programs like theramin Saturdays might has well be throwing bricks at their transmitter. There is a balance to be had between popularity and variety.
These corporate monsters that play all the same things are an anathema and a jab to the heart broadcasting. If the station can't be tailored to its city or community we might has well just listen to our own playlists.
