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DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE INTERNET RADIO
76
6 Internet Radio (IR)
6.1 Introduction
Traditionally, audio programmes have been available via dedicated terrestrial networks
broadcasting to radio receivers. Typically, they have operated on AM and FM platforms,
with the more recent addition of digital radio-frequency spectrum, including DAB, DRM
and IBOC. This paradigm is about to change.
Radio programmes are increasingly available not only from the terrestrial networks, but
also from a large variety of satellite, cable and, indeed, telecommunications networks
(e.g., fixed telephone lines, wireless broadband connections and mobile phones). Very
often, radio is added to television broadcasts. Radio receivers are no longer only
dedicated hi-fi tuners or portable radios with whip aerials, but are now assuming the
shape of multiple multimedia-enabled computer devices (desktop, portable, PDA, Internet
radios).
This sea of changes in radio technologies impact dramatically on the radio medium itself -
the way it is produced, delivered, consumed and paid-for. Radio has become more than
just audio - it can now contain associated metadata, synchronized slideshows and even
short video clips. Radio is no longer just a "linear" flow emanating from an emission mast
- audio files are now available on-demand or stored locally for time-shifted playout. It is
the convenience of the user, rather than the broadcaster-imposed schedule, which
matters now.
Internet Radio (IR) is a relatively recent phenomenon. Nevertheless, during the past ten
years Internet has become a very important distribution mechanism for audio and video
streams and files. Audience statistics show that IR is increasingly popular, especially
among young people and users in offices.
This paper introduces the concept of IR and provides some technical background. It
gives some examples of actual IR services now in place in different countries. Finally, it
provides some guidance on how traditional radio broadcasters need to adapt and adjust
in order to be capable of meeting the requirements of the rapidly changing multimedia
environment.
6.2 Bringing Radio to the Internet
Internet penetration worldwide is very close to the one billion users mark. Almost 70% of
the American population have access to the Internet from home, and one-third access
the Internet at work. Canada, South Korea, Japan and Germany follow closely at 60-
70%. The use of the Internet is growing at a tremendous rate. Recently published
statistics suggest that, on average, 31 connections are made per month, and more than
26 hours are spent browsing the Internet each month to visit 66 sites and view 1268
pages. Eighty-seven per cent of uses send e-mail massages, 60 per cent use instant
messaging services and 55 per cent download files. Twenty-two per cent of users
worldwide have already tried video on the Internet.
The American Media Research company, Arbitron/Edison (www.arbitron.com), released,
in 2005, results of a major study on Internet and Multimedia in the US. This study
suggests that an estimated 55 million consumers use Internet radio and Internet video
services each month.