For me, I recall being in middle school and rushing over to my boom box to hit the "Record" button so I could fill my up blank tapes.

This is terrible news! I grew up listening to WFNZ, My father had it playing in the garage 24/7. When the tape deck in my car finally broke, this was the station I constantly played. I just wish that ClearChannel would stop messing up local institutions such as this.

Going to art school in Kenmore, I listened to WFNX during overnights, in drawing classes, etc., often finding the music being the one thing keeping me motivated, productive, and happy inside. ClearChannel needs to stop pushing-out local stations just to expand their profit/gain more ground in their march to radio monopolization.

I honestly don't even know where to begin, as good broadcast radio has been one of the foundations in my life. The announcement of FNX departing the airwaves (even though I am out-of-state and listen to them streaming on my phone) shook that foundation. I have GBs of music on my computer, iPod, etc., but I chose to listen to FNX because of the interaction with knowledgeable DJs who really cared about music and entertaining us. That's what your independent [fill in category here] can provide you more than major corporations and box stores. Boston has lost a cultural icon; hopefully we'll find a way to get it back in the not-to-distant future.

BTW - perhaps it's time to consider starting an Association for Independent Radio Stations, to protect the remaining non-mega-corporate institutions out there.