Guide to Radio Webcasting

Radio webcasts are a continual audio stream that is broadcast over the internet. There are free radio webcasts and webcasts that require a paid membership in order to listen to them. Radio webcasting includes live broadcasts and recorded broadcasts.

People listen to radio webcasts using an audio player like Real Player, Media Player or QuickTime Player.

Web Audio Technology

Radio webcasts work by using audio streaming technology, allowing radio programs to be broadcast over the internet. The audio file is encoded and translated into a format that may be streamed. Audio webcasting software is needed to convert the audio into the appropriate format. After audio files are converted, they are sent to webcast radio servers. The server sends the audio stream over the internet to the player software on the listener's computer. The player translates the file into the sound heard by the listener.

Applications of Radio Webcasting

Radio webcasting technology has been used to broadcast a wide range of webcast radio programs (including free radio webcasts and paid radio webcasts). Some of the types of radio programs available through radio webcasting are:

Music radio webcasts. There are a wide range of music radio webcasts available, in all different genres and types of music. You can find radio webcasts that are very specific in the type of music they broadcast. For instance, there are Celtic Christian radio webcasts, webcasts containing music from the 60s and world music radio webcasts.
News radio webcasts. You can find news programs that contain just the main news headings of your local area, or you can find news programs available from all over the world, which is handy for people who have moved internationally. There are also news/talk radio webcasts, which include talkback and interviews on the news stories of the day or week.
Sport webcast radio. You can find webcasts for just about any sport you like to follow. Webcasts can give you updated information on any games or events that are being held, as well as giving you background information to keep you up to date on what is happening.
Information webcasts. Some webcasts broadcast information on different topics. You can find information webcasts that are aimed at a particular group of people (for example, children) or that focus on particular topics (like health).
World languages. Radio broadcasts are available in many different languages and they come from all over the world. People can find broadcasts that speak to them in their language.

There are other applications for radio webcasts and streaming audio technology, besides radio stations. Here are some other ways that the technology can be applied:

Greeting messages;
Background music;
Advertisements on websites;
Training purposes;
Listening to music or radio stations before you buy.

Advantages of Radio Webcasting

There are many advantages to radio webcasting, and the benefits may be enjoyed by different people with different needs. Here are some of those benefits:

Radio stations can reach a wider audience, and get find listeners world-wide.
There is more scope for broadcasting a specialized radio program.
It is cheaper to set up an internet radio station, then any other type of radio station.
Musicians can get their music heard by a wide range of people.
Companies can provide radio webcast programs on their internet sites.
Just about anyone can learn the tools to set up an internet radio webcast.

Continue to: Obstacles and Challenges in Radio Webcasting

Radio Webcasting Vs. Traditional Radio - The Inside Story
Music Webcasting - Dance To The Latest Beats
Webcast Radio Station - At Your Service
Audio And Video Streaming - Yes, There Are Two of Them

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