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(Full disclosure: China Media News contributes, on a part-time basis, to Radio 774)

It looks like changes could be on the horizon for Radio 774, the English-language AM station that serves Beijing (or, judging by the strength of the frequency, parts of Chang'an Avenue).

Radio 774 was formed in anticipation of the Olympics, and has broadcast rights to Olympic events in Beijing. It competes directly with CRI's Easy FM, which is broadcast on 91.5 in Beijing and other frequencies around the country.

Radio 774 has never had the influence of CRI, partly because it is only on the AM dial and partly because it is local in nature. That being said, the station broadcasts several local music, arts, and Olympic programs to its English-language audience.

Last year, your correspondent was a part-time co-host of its flagship morning and afternoon drive shows, City Rhythm. The show had a distinctly commercial flavor, with live traffic reports, a weather reporter, news and sports updates, entertainment news, and even live studio guests. Unfortunately, top station brass decided to abandon the concept in favor of a music-driven show, which one staffer disagrees with, remarking "nobody listens to music on AM."

It's unclear, in a crowded English-language media environment (HIT FM 88.7 plays English music, 91.5 is bilingual, and Radio 774 is bilingual), if Radio 774 will continue in its present form following the Olympic Games. Rumors have already begun that Beijing Radio Corp, its parent company, is considering turning the station into a financial news channel.

In the meantime, Radio 774 will continue to broadcast English-language programming on the AM dial, and also online. They will also offer extensive English-language coverage of next year's Olympic games.