Jack FM
Just as a jukebox inspired Todd Storz to develop Top 40 Radio, inspiration for the Jack FM radio format came from mix tapes and iPod Shuffles.
Officially Jack FM radio started in Vancover in 2002 and is licensed by Sparknet Communications to stations in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Russia. However, prior to its introduction in Canada, radio programmer Bob Perry in 2000 used this format on his internet radio stream based on the fictitious character Cowboy Jack Garrett, with the slogan "We Play What We Want". Another inspiration for Jack FM was Bob FM in Winnipeg. This format was started after program director Howard Kroeger heard a mix tape at a friend's birthday party.
In addition to the officially licensed Jack FM stations, there are other radio stations playing this format with names like Abe FM, Ben FM, Louie FM, Doug FM, Spanish-language Jose FM, and many more.
Most radio playlist comes from the fat end of the "long tail". However, just like an iPod Shuffle, the Jack FM format uses more of the long tail. It'll often have a playlist of over 1000 tracks, with songs from many different years in a variety of genres, and will even include some current hits.