Abstract
The paper presents a study on diversity in the Greek local radio music programs and in the output of the recording industry, regarding both media as integral parts of the same system. A basic assumption of the analysis is that the research on diversity reveals important aspects of the more or less formal media policy on music. A second basic assumption is that this kind of research represents a necessary background for understanding some of the factors that influence musical culture.The paper is also based on the importance placed upon diversity of media content by regulators, industry practitioners and theorists in several fields (media and music sociology, media economics, communication policy etc.). Given the scarcity of relevant empirical research and theoretical analysis concerning the Greek case, the study draws on previous research in this field concerning other countries and cases.
On this basis, the paper discusses several problems relating to the definition and measurement of diversity in both media. The discussion takes into account the multitude of dimensions and aspects of the concept as well as the difficulties for its operationalization, especially in the case of music. Finally, based on the results of this research, the paper discusses the recording industry policy and it subjects to test also the common assumption in Greece that it tends towards standardization and homogenization, especially during the last decades. It also raises several questions about the possibilities of a public media policy that might have a positive impact on the development of diversity in both the radio and the recording industry which form an important part of everyday culture.