Radio Internet is a radio broadcast service, transmitted over the Internet using radio signals. Radio Internet broadcasting is commonly known as webcasting because it's not generally transmitted over public airways as broadcast TV or radio shows. It's usually delivered in digital format which can be stored on personal computers or listened to through dedicated radio receivers. Webcasting radio programs is similar to television broadcasting, except that it is done over the Internet and can be picked up by any receiver hooked to the appropriate computer. Unlike broadcast media, webcasting doesn't need a studio or technicians.
There are many radio stations that operate on the Internet using radio internet broadcasts. In fact, many radio stations have websites that allow people to listen to their radio broadcasts online. Some of these radio broadcasters broadcasting on the Internet have their own websites with user interfaces for ease of use. Most radio networks offer live streaming of their radio programs via the Internet as well. They also provide the viewer with news and other information about the radio show as well as interviews from the radio broadcasters themselves.
The technology used by radio internet services providers to deliver radio programs over the Internet dates back about 10 years. Commercials at that time used the analog radio format to broadcast their programs. Now, they have switched to digital radio services to send radio waves over the Internet and this is done using digital signals rather than analog ones. This makes radio services quite different from regular radio services.
One advantage radio stations have over internet radio broadcast services is that their audience can hear their radio shows at their convenience. You can listen to radio stations online and download them to your personal computers for listening anytime you want. Because of this convenience, radio stations can broadcast their radio programs for a broader audience instead of targeting only a local group of people.
Another advantage is that radio stations can now host their own podcasts. Podcasting is like radio shows on the internet. Podcasts can be read on mobile devices like smart phones or MP3 players and even listened to through internet stereo systems. Podcasts are available for all kinds of radio stations and are a great promotional tool, since they can be downloaded free from the internet.
