These days, there are so many ways to get music and information - like iPods, the Internet and technology in general. Does that worry local broadcasters? It doesn't appear so right now.

"The local broadcaster always wins out because the local broadcast outlet is providing a local broadcast with local news, local talk, local people, and the truth is when people wake up in the morning they want to know what's going on in their neighborhood," said President of Capital Broadcasting Paul Vandenburgh.

One of the ways Talk 1300 AM in Albany does that is through Mayor Jerry Jennings' weekly radio show, where he can speak directly not just to the audience, but to the community.

"People in Albany want Albany-based products, certainly for a portion of their day. When they're listening to radio, they want a local product and that's what we provide," said Vandenburgh.

But then there's other formats for radio, such as music, and there's a major source where people can get whatever song they want, anytime they want - the iPod. But, again, traditional radio still has an edge.

"When you have an iPod, that's great for music, but a lot of people want to find out other things at the same time, and radio can have that combination of the music and a little personality, a little local flavor, community events, and local weather," said Anastos Media Group Operations Manager John Meaney.

But the industry is still moving forward in its own way.

"I think radio programming is being affected in a number of different ways. I think the first and foremost thing you're going to see with the future of the broadcasting industry would be the consolidation and the quality levels going up," said WVCR General Manager Darrin Scott Kibbey.

Radio has been known as the instant medium, but now everything seems to be at the touch of a button. A station needs to do more than play music and syndicated programs now more than ever. So there's yet another traditional approach...keeping up appearances.

"Having an opportunity to shake hands and kiss babies, to meet and greet with the public can let that public know that you are also a member of their community," said Kibbey.

But with the ever changing times, can the industry stay relevant?

"I think there will be a place for everything, I just don't think one medium will take over another," said Meaney.

And for now, listeners continue to tune in, whether it's tradition or technology.