The Future of Radio (Part I): The good, and the bad, of the generic brand trend

By Steve Faguy Kiss. Boom. Jack. Fresh. Jewel. Virgin. Country. Real Country. Pure Country. Hit Country. K-Rock. B. Q. O. X. Mix. Moose. Drive. Énergie. Rythme. Rouge. Plaisir. They're all brands used by Canada's largest broadcasting companies for multiple radio stations in their groups. Some are generic enough they're even used by multiple stations of different companies. But these days, rather than some common brands being coincidental, they're being planned. Bit by bit, national brands are replacing what had been individual stations' identities. In January, Bell Media turned 10 of its adult contemporary stations, including heritage brands like Majic 100...