Live Radio?

While reading about swing music, I became aware of the fact that the big swing bands of the day would perform live for radio stations to broadcast across the country. Am I the only one who thinks that this is a good idea for up and coming bands to do to get their name out nowadays? I know some radio stations do this once in a while, but i mean for some radio stations to do this all the time. While radio stations couldn't afford big names, they could provide exposure to the many very talented unknown bands, especially local bands. This would provide a lot of exposure for these bands as well. I could actually stand to turn on the radio once in a while if i didnt have to hear the same drivvle day after day, year after year.