I would just say that the consumption patterns for popular music underwent a tectonic shift in the late 90s and early 00's, with Napster and then the iPod, and that there was no configuration of terrestrial radio that was going to leave it as the dominant discovery and dissemination mechanism for rock music.
I'm not sure I understand the cartel point. I think rock in 2024 is more vital and interesting than it was in 1995. My hip-hop consumption patterns remain mired in the 1990s, though; I have not found a more modern replacement for De La.
Ok, but radio could still be a decent way to do that even if it lost its throne of best. "Big radio" just chose not to. For example in SoCal we have KCRW:
I still discover stuff there. Available online as well.
Re: copyright cartel
When you have melody in a song, and it resembles something from the past (as it will almost certainly do a century after the invention of pop music), you'll be charged upfront or later sued. Combine that with never-ending copyright (see recent Steamboat Willie articles).
I'm not sure I understand the cartel point. I think rock in 2024 is more vital and interesting than it was in 1995. My hip-hop consumption patterns remain mired in the 1990s, though; I have not found a more modern replacement for De La.