Online Radio Stations

The way we listen to radio and music has certainly changed in 70+ years since radios first became widely available to the listening public. Back in those days it was a challenge just to keep a supply of fresh batteries so that the family could listen to the “Jack Benny Program". Today, not only are there more radio stations available around the world to tune into than ever before, but you don't even need to turn the dial on the radio to tune into your favorite show or hear your favorite tunes. Online radio stations have swept the world and whereas once you might have needed a special type of radio to catch a broadcast from halfway across the globe, now all you need to do is hop on the web and you can be listening to an online radio station literally on the other side of the planet.

The availability of broadcasting to larger audiences farther away has proven to be a real boon for small, independent and public radio stations that once might have struggled to retain a small, loyal group of listeners. As a result more and more listeners are abandoning the home town radio stations that offered an unsatisfying mix of music or talk and instead turning to relatively small stations thousands of miles away.

In many cases such online radio stations specifically cater to audiences looking for more unique music styles than large, commercial radio stations are able to fill. The Christian music market has found the ability to broadcast online to be particularly successful. In addition, the wide appeal of online radio stations has proven to be a lucrative opportunity for many would-be artists who find it difficult to get airtime on larger radio stations.

The one downside for radio stations that choose to broadcast online is the fact that it can be expensive. These stations have quickly learned that one of the major drawing points for their out of town listening audience is the fact that they predominantly play less commercials than their competition. This leaves them in a quandary because without the sponsorship of commercial vendors it can be decidedly difficult to stay on the air. Many online radio stations have found a unique compromise as a way to obtain the funds they need to continue broadcasting online while still satisfying their audience with a relatively commercial free broadcast at the same time.

Fund raising drives have become a major source of revenue for online radio stations in an effort to stay on the air. The question remains however; do online listeners mind the call for money or pitching in a few bucks? Apparently; they don't, especially if it means they can continue to listen to the music that makes them happy online without having to twist the radio dial in a vain attempt to find something pleasing.

The amount of debate regarding whether online radio stations are here to stay or not has steadily increased during the last few years. There are some die hard am/fm radio fans that insist online radio stations are just a fad that will never replace traditional radio and point to the fact that most people don't regularly tune into online radio stations. That may well be true, but some statistics would seem to suggest the usage on online radio stations is definitely on the upswing. In fact some statistics indicate that the use of online radio stations has grown by nearly 200%. At this rate of growth, it could very well be that, despite the heckles of nay sayers, online radio stations hold the future of radio.

About The Author:
Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com