Like their French neighbors, many Germans have long feared that English-language pop might eventually drown out any of its German competition. Indeed, if listen to German radio these days and you almost only hear English. But in Bavaria in southern Germany, a handful of top radio stations have agreed to push homegrown bands a bit more in the future.

Bayern 3, the pop station of the state's public broadcaster, Bayerische Rundfunk, will feature at least one new German song each week. Its sister station, Bayern 2, will devote an entire hour to young musicians from Deutschland starting this summer.

Local stations are also following suit. Antenne Bayern, one of the state's largest private stations, said it will kick off a competition for young German talents that's aptly called "Sound Garage."

On its Web site, Bayerische Rundfunk links to it's highly successful "Bavarian Open" festival, featuring German newcomers like Hellfire, The Electric Club and Les Babacools. In April, festival organizers will receive the Bavarian rock music award, the "Pick Up." Go figure.