Some predicted the end of radio as it became apparent the internet was emerging as a new ubiquitous world wide communication network. Anyone and everyone connected, communicating. However, the irony was that a medium consisting of real-time content, streaming video and hyperlinks would also be a new conduit for a new era of radio. 

The radio was invented over one hundred years ago, and people still listen to them today proving it to be one of the greatest inventions in time.

This new era is internet radio. Radio content distributed across a world wide network (as any web site is), enabling listeners in Tokyo to select and listen to Premiership football commentary from a UK radio station. Broadcasting ranges and frequencies become irrelevant. The audio content is accessible via the internet just like any web page that one wishes to read.

Furthermore, the audio quality is currently superior to DAB radio and digital radio stations which broadcast only from regional multiplexes are restricted in their area coverage. As long as a listener as internet connected computer with speaker output facility, they are able to “tune-in” to any internet radio station from around the world. Therefore, internet radio provides a superb news and media facility for listeners following
music, foreign affairs, business, sporting events, the arts, education and also specific programs and broadcasters – to name but a few.

Live in New Zealand and want to listen to 5 Live’s 6-0-6 football phone-in – problem solved.

HGV driver travelling across Europe who wants to keep-up with local news – Internet radio will delivery the goods.

Never miss an episode of The Archers while away in Portugal with live streaming internet radio.

For people travelling or working abroad, expatriates, military and holiday makers who wish to keep up with events back home – internet radio offers a superb communication channel.

Finally, seldom do internet radio stations charge for listening.

There are thousands of radio stations to choose from online unlike traditional radio where you can only choose from AM and FM stations that are within your area of reception. Local sports broadcasts are only offered on traditional radio, but with internet radio you can find sports broadcasts from around the world.

There are significant advantages with tuning in online such as the world wide choice and variety of radio stations, superb sound quality, easy access, the flexibilty and customisation of listening content.

Internet radio combines the quality of FM radio with the dynamism of DAB digital radio.