What is "Internet Radio?"

Internet radio, also known as web radio, online radio and net audio, refers to a stream of audio content that is broadcast via the internet. It is becoming increasingly popular as more internet users move to high-speed internet connections and seek free quality audio content online. Content is typically either:

• "Terrestrial" (or traditional) radio that is also broadcast via the internet.
• "Pure play," that is simply online audio programming that is only available via the internet.

Whether the content is terrestrial or web-only, internet radio offers benefits beyond that of terrestrial radio:

Internet radio has no geographical boundaries. Because internet radio is broadcast online, the content is accessible anywhere an internet signal is available. This is particularly exciting for terrestrial radio fans, who before could only hear their favorite programming when they were in range of the signal.

Internet radio is interactive. Not only can listeners hear the content, they can also interact with it. That interaction might include anything from clicking on an ad to building a custom playlist.

Internet radio is measurable. Because it's broadcast over the internet, internet radio stations can determine the size of their listening audience at any time. This is particularly important for advertisers who can run ads on internet radio based on an exact audience count as opposed to an estimate from a panel or survey.