Why dont local radio stations let local bands play music on there stations ?

Why not?

So let me guess, you’re in a band and they won’t play your music? Sad.

Most local radio stations are actually nationally syndicated chains. They often have set lists of songs that they can’t really deviate from. Get a label and you stand a better chance of being played.

Local bands don’t pay the bills

There’s a greater chance of getting your music played on a college (or high school) station, probably. Mainstream ones, like @Perchik said, are usually corporately owned and their playlist is predetermined.

because most radio stations suck

Most radio stations are for profit.
Advertisers pay the bills.
Advertisers will only advertise on stations that have listeners.
Your average station is popular for playing music people want to hear and are already familiar w/......

The local rock station in Nashville where I grew up played local music every Sunday night at about 10pm. Which I’m pretty sure was the time they had the least listeners every week. Sometimes a local song would get popular enough that they’d play it in the regular rotation, but not usually.

They are in the business of making money from advertisements, as others have said.

And
A) people like what they are familiar with already and
B) A significant amount of local bands suck, which is why they are still local bands.

Only the big record companies have the $$ to promote their label’s artist roster on each area’s biggest radio station. Your band doesn’t. Get me?

Why aren’t you listening to your public radio affiliate if you’re tired of listening to the same music all day? I hear all sorts of new music on our public radio station. They often play local acts that have a local presence in clubs.

Depends on where you are and the station. Your best bet is to find local COLLEGE stations. They’d be happy to play it.

@StellarAirman The Buzz 102.9 still has local music on Sunday nights 9–11
Vanderbilt college station 91.1 wrvu plays lots of eclectic genres and local music everyday.