Technology continues to amaze us, and each aspect of our life now revolves around it. However, what is relevant today might not be feasible in a couple of years. Earlier, the situation was not like this. Back in the day, it would take quite some time for a new invention to become a “common” commodity, and it would rule over the markets for decades. The same has been the case with the radio.
Radio has ruled over our hearts for over a century now, and it still caters to our entertainment needs. You might have witnessed the recent rise in the popular technological video streaming platforms. However, audio streaming platforms have maintained their position. You can listen to audio media while traveling around or when trying to meditate.
While you might have long music playlists, radio programs have their own sort of gravity and alleviation. You can check here to know more about which latest radio devices work best in the modern-day. The debate about internet radio against the traditional one is still a hot topic. In this article, we are going to put forth some points in favor of and against each of these technologies. Let’s go through them quickly.
Discussing the Pros and Cons of Each One
The best thing about the traditional one is that you get a localized listening experience. The highly relevant programs to one city or state might not be relevant at all in another region. The channels transmitting signals in a local region have a highly targeted audience, and they come up with stuff keeping their interests in mind.
Based on the incredible radio technology, internet radio is trying to eliminate the traditional one’s backdrops. It provides the customers with a wide range of channels, and also, the broadcasting is not limited to a few geographical locations. With the advancement of technology, these internet-based systems have also soared in popularity.
At present, there are more than thousands of channels to choose from, and each of these channels offers a wide range of unique programs and shows. Users can easily tune into these channels via Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Language barriers are also addressed with these localized transmissions of signals. On Internet radio, they talk about the stuff keeping in mind a global audience, but this is limited by the language proficiency of people residing around different parts of the world.
Although, if there is a show that can have a global audience, for instance, any international match commentary, internet radio will serve the purpose the best. Also, if you want to be a radio programmer, you can have a global audience. It is up to you how well you can market yourself and build the target audience’s interest. The scalability opportunities presented by internet radio for audience building is amazing.
People are also exploring new sorts of shows within this domain, and it is possibly the best time to start with this. Podcasts have enjoyed immense success, but internet radio brings a different kind of experience to the table.
While we reside in a global community, the integration between us is strengthened with these technological platforms. Internet programs can build more common grounds as we develop common perceptions of what we listen to and observe. The best thing about this is that the same gadget is compatible with both technologies. There is a need for the data connection with the internet radio and a headset for the other.
However, you might claim that internet radio is the future. The number of people listening to the traditional one has declined a great deal due to the evolution of different media platforms. However, it has somehow managed to maintain a sophisticated listening audience.
Localized programs with traditional radio and global audiences for internet radio are the main strong points that are going to ensure that both these platforms will continue to compete for some time. Content creators working rigorously towards the success of internet radio can somehow push traditional systems out of consideration.
Radio Future Trends
1. Availability on Every Device
Long lost are the days when listening to radio devices was everything about electric devices that have AM/FM receivers. They are accessible nowadays on almost all devices, and the internet has made it possible for them to become ubiquitous.
There are several true web stations and simulcasts available from the conventional broadcasters that include gaming consoles, smartphones, car infotainment systems, smart speakers and much more. However, there is an acute rise in listening to podcasts and internet radio through smartphones.
2. Podcasting is Growing at a Rapid Pace, and Internet Radio Ought to Take Heed
It is high time that the stations should get pertained to the podcasts boom before the industry becomes too big, competitive, and it becomes very tough to venture into it. Based on the recent reports on podcasts, over 700,000 active podcasts are available, with more than 29 million podcasts and various languages. Podcasts are in high demand, and Internet Radio, on the other hand, is live.
The Stations are required to produce original podcasts series or can also choose to repurpose a few existing shows into podcasts. Listeners can reap huge benefits from this, including making their content evergreen, allowing listeners to catch up with the programs they have missed, etc.
3. The Future of In-car Listening
It was in the late 90s or 2000 that DAB took over the car stereos. As compared to the FM/AM, they utilize less bandwidth; at the same time, they allow enhanced frequencies in the same spectrum as FM. The sound quality of such devices is also much better. The only drawback of using DAB was its adoption.
The future is believed to be leaning towards music streaming services and internet radio. Car manufacturers also have introduced infotainment systems that are internet enabled. Current car owners also have the option of purchasing aftermarket car stereos.
Conclusion
Internet Radio is the future of radio, and the only hindrance faced by most of the users right now is the cost of mobile data. The high cost incurred is the only thing that is holding back the streaming of media.
This will soon change too, as mobile data is also getting cheaper with passing days. The cost of mobile data will not be a pain point for the users in the coming day. Several companies are offering streaming convenience to music lovers. They can now listen to their favorite music using the internet of their mobile phones.
