Yes, it is an interesting article.

I'm not sure about what an appropriate reaction would be. Here in the U.S. I feel that there are a number of outlets that present traditional music.   (For full disclosure, I host a folk music program on WFDU-FM in the NYC area).

Do we need full-time folk stations? It would be nice, but from a business point of view, would it be practical?   With so many radio stations competing for ad dollars, would a folk station attract significant advertisers to support?   Over the last few decades commercial radio has become so corporate that niche programming has fallen by the wayside.   

While support at festivals is evident,I don't think that translates to an audience that would support a commercial radio station in the top markets.   I think that is one of the reasons that commercial stations did not latch onto the success of "O'Brother". While the film did well, I don't think the programmers felt that it was anything more than a fad and were afraid to jump on the bandwagon. If only they did the same thing when Britany Spears recorded her first CD.

Public radio? A much better idea, although from what I've seen, many of the public stations are leary about focusing on any one format. They try to appeal to a wide range of audiences that aren't being served elsewhere.

When I hit the lottery, maybe I will try to buy a station and turn it into a folk station.   It would be fun!

Ron