Radio has presented society with many different applications over the past century and has changed the way that human beings live their lives on a daily basis. Between cell phones, WiFi, and even satellite imaging, the world would be a much different place without radio waves and the devices that interpret them. One of the biggest applications of radio waves, however, the music radio, has now become digitalized. While radios are still extremely common on the market, many individuals are using free Internet radio stations to listen to their favorite music. This article will explain what Internet radio is and how to listen to it as well as list a number of free Internet radio stations.
What is Free Internet Radio
Free Internet radio is a rising pastime for millions of people all over the world. Not only does free Internet radio provide more options and genres when listening to music, but also news, sports, politics, talk radio, weather, and more. Free Internet radio can be accessed by anyone from nearly anywhere in the world and some stations even allow listeners to record and play their own music or voice on the air.
How To Listen
Listening to free Internet radio is quite easy as listeners almost always only need a browser and speakers. Some free Internet radio stations, however, do require some software for listeners to enjoy their favorite music, but these are usually limited to software such as Windows Media Player, WinAmp, and QuickTime. Each Internet radio station is different but will always specifically instruct the listener on how to play the various forms of media that the radio station presents.
Stations
BBC Radio
BBC Radio, found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/ , is the official online radio station of the BBC Network. The station features 24/7 programming which is made up of news, sports, and of course, music. BBC Radio also sponsors 11 separate stations in one, has live programming, and is available in over two dozen languages. The station also features podcasts and audio highlights based on individual categories including business, sports, Africa, science, documentaries, and art.
Radio Paradise
Radio Paradise, found at http://www.radioparadise.com , is an entirely community-based, listener-supported, harmonically-balanced free online radio station run by Bill and Rebecca Goldsmith. The radio station plays all sorts of music but bases its selection on what sounds good when compared to the last song. Rather than hosting a computer-generated playlist, Bill and Rebecca Goldsmith have compiled a playlist themselves and dedicate much of their time to managing it for free. The station plays mostly classical music, classic rock, modern rock, jazz, electronica, and world music.
Sky FM
Sky FM, found at http://www.sky.fm/ , plays a number of genres and consists of over fifty-seven thousand fans. Sky FM is entirely free but listeners can choose to upgrade to Sky FM Premium for $4.95 per month which offers better sound quality, consist air-time, and more channel options. The free station is quite successful on its own, however, and provides dozens of channels for listeners of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures.
Craze FM
Craze FM, found at http://www.crazefm.com/ , is a free Internet radio station entirely dedicated to asian music. The website includes constant radio broadcasts, shout-outs, DJs, downloadable music, karaoke, and live music. Craze FM even features its own store in which listeners can purchase merchandise from their favorite free online asian radio station.
PureDJ
PureDJ, found at http://www.puredj.com/ , is a community of amateur DJs and musicians who gather together to perform on the air and have a good time. While the site itself lacks professional design, PureDJ consists of a good size fanbase. The website is approaching an end as it will be removed at the end of 2010. Users can continue to listen in and share their contributions until that time.
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