Modern rock

Modern rock is an umbrella term used to describe rock music that is found on college and commercial rock radio stations. Some radio stations use this term to distinguish themselves from classic rock, which is based in 1960s–1980s rock music.

For the music genre associated with this format, see Alternative rock. For the album by The Clean, see Modern Rock (album). For the Billboard chart formerly known as Modern Rock Tracks, see Alternative Songs. For current rock music, see Rock music § Mainstream decline (2010s–present).

- A widespread successor for new hard rock and heavy metal bands, similar to mainstream rock, it does play some classic hard rock favorites but less focused on, in favor of new and emerging artists as well as new music from familiar artists as well

Active rock

(genre)

Alternative rock

Campus radio

- a format that plays alternative music from the 1970s through 1990s, in technicality, it's classic rock that hasn't been given recognition.

Classic alternative

College rock

Indie rock

- famously created after the legendary AOR format during the 1970s, which was short-lived until the early to mid-1980s, mainstream rock has become more favorable over classic rock. It is used to play popular rock hits from the 1970s up until the mid-2000s and has little current music in its playlists. Few radio stations will play newer rock artists; unlike active rock, it's basically modern classic rock.