Interactive Marketing

Internet radio has become a rage on the net, particularly among the younger generation. It has changed the way radio operates, to positive effects.

E-radio, also called Radio on Internet, adds another dimension to the treasure field of the web. A milestone in the continuing evolution of the Internet, e-radio has made the web more entertaining. E-mails made the web a medium of correspondence, e-commerce a platform for commercial transactions and e-radio has increased the entertainment quotient.

However, to term Internet radio to be a novel innovation would be far from the truth. Internet radio networks have been around for a while now. It came into being in the late 1990s and has been since used by the traditional radio broadcasters to simulcast their programming. The quick spread of Internet technology and faster connectivity has helped the Internet radio to become a rage, especially among youngsters. Today, it has become a prime medium of entertainment for many.

Today, a bevy of channels (or stations), catering to specific areas of interest are ever ready to serve the listener. This has become a standard feature of Internet radio networks that serve music online. The listener can tune into any of scores of channels covering diverse genres as Classic Rock, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Jazz, 80s music, 70s music, Oldies, Country, Latin, Euro, Ambient, New Age, Reggae, Lounge, Progressive, Techno and many more. One can enjoy hours and hours of uninterrupted music at no cost!

Networks featuring talk shows are among the most popular Internet radio networks. Serious listeners or those who crave for something more than just music, cater to the talk shows and discussions. These talk radio programs host various talk shows with specialists on different subject matters having discussions. Often, people with good media experience anchor these shows. The talk shows enhance the value proposition of the medium.

Internet radio has several advantages over the traditional radio and photos, graphics, text and links can accompany an e-radio broadcast. Supported by message boards and chat rooms, they offer more interactivity too. This feature allows a listener to do more than just listen. This has changed the way businesses advertise. On an Internet radio broadcast, the relationship between advertisers and consumers becomes more interactive. A listener who hears an ad for a new product could order it through a link on the web site. The expanded capability can be put to other uses too. Through the medium, one could conduct training or education and provide links to documents and payment options. The trainees can interact with the trainer or educator, which helps them to clean their doubts better.

E-radio offers a wide spectrum of broadcast genres, particularly in music. The medium is increasingly controlled by smaller numbers of media conglomerates as compared to the traditional one. The trend has led to more streaming of the programming on broadcast radio, as stations compete to reach the largest possible audience so that they can charge the highest possible rates for advertising. It also promotes the types of available programming. Broadcasters keep on trying to add variety to their programs. Some niche broadcasters aim to develop micro-communities of listeners focused on special music or interests.

Internet radio is passing through a phase that will expand its reach from your desktop computer to access broadcasts anywhere. It will expand its programming from conventional broadcasters to individuals, organizations and government.

Be choosy when you go for radio on the Internet. A good decision would entertain you for a long time.