In a recent article, The Atlantic argues that while record labels used to be able to determine which songs would become radio hits, stations now rely more heavily on consumer preferences.
In short, iHeartMedia, the conglomerate that owns 850 radio stations, doesn’t care about the desire of the music industry for a quicker hit cycle so they can sell more units. They just don’t want you to change the channel — and the best way to keep you tuned in is to keep playing the same songs.
Another factor is that 1% of artists earn 77% of all revenues from recorded music. Modern music is dominated by superstars. Some of these are quite old superstars from many decades ago when they first had their first hit. The industry circling its wagons:
Just as the movie industry seems to be relying more heavily on sequels, the music industry is putting more emphasis on promoting established artists.
In a turbulent marketplace, record companies are liable to be more risk averse. Developing new artists who might hit it big is less appealing when the prize is projected to get smaller.
Utopia, you are standing in it! 
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