Welcome to ACB Radio, your one-stop online presence for everything you need and want to know online radio.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

• Online Radio: The Basics
• The Best Online Radio Resources
• Online Radio News
• History of Online Radio
• Frequently Asked Questions

If we don’t have what you’re looking for, please let us know, and we’ll get our researchers to work.

Online Radio: The Basics

Online radio, also known as Internet radio or e-radio, is any audio service that is transmitted over the World Wide Web. The stations are accessible anywhere in the world, in virtually every language, whenever you want to listen to them. And the quality depends only on the initial recording and your Internet connection speed, so you never have to put up with the static of traditional or “terrestrial” radio stations.

Simply put, online radio is one of the best things on the Internet! Whether you’re interested in news, music, commentary, sports, or anything else, you’re sure to find the online radio station that’s right for you.

Best Online Radio Resources

Our researchers have been compiling lists of the best online radio resources, but we’re always looking for more helpful and informative sites. If you know a great site that isn’t listed here, please share the tip with other ACB Radio site visitors. Thanks!

Directories of Online Radio Stations

• Live365: www.live365.com
• Radio Tower: www.radiotower.com
• Radio-Locator: www.radio-locator.com
• RadioStationWorld: radiostationworld.com
• Real Radio Guide: radio.real.com
• SHOUTcast Radio: yp.shoutcast.com
• Web-Radio: www.radio-directory.com
• Wikipedia Directory: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_stations
• Yahoo Directory: dir.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/Radio

Other Cool Online Radio Sites

• The SaveNet Radio Coalition: www.savenetradio.org
• How Internet Radio Works: computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-radio2.htm
• Software Used for Streaming Media: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_streaming_media_systems

Online Radio News

Here we use RSS feeds to provide you with all the latest news about online radio. But occasionally we write our own stories about what’s happening, too. If you have a comment about one of our stories, or if you have another news story to share, please send them to us at info@acbradio.net.

A Day of Silence

On June 26, 2007, Internet webcasters organized a Day of Silence, turning off their audio streams or replacing them with static. Why? They are part of the SaveNet Radio Coalition opposed to an increase in royalty rates, which is scheduled to take effect on July 15. They say that the rate hike will put most of the online radio stations out of business. What do you think? Send us your comments, and we’ll publish the most interesting ones here for other visitors to read and respond to.

History of Online Radio

In 1993, Internet Talk Radio appeared as the earliest online radio station. Others soon followed suit, and we quickly reached the point where we are today, with thousands of online radio stations being webcast from all points on the globe.

The first terrestrial radio station to begin webcasting was WXYC (89.3 FM) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, which debuted in late 1994. A few months later, KJHK (90.7 FM) in Lawrence, Kansas, USA, became the first terrestrial radio station to have a continuous, live audio stream on the Internet. In that same year, Voice of America started using streaming media – the first widely recognized news organization to take advantage of the Internet in this way.

However, most people trace the roots of online radio to Netradio, which appeared in 1994, because it was the first online radio network. It grew quickly, in both size and popularity, and RealAudio players included it as a default setting in its media player. Netradio continued to be a trend-setter, and in 1996 it presented the first live online-only series of concerts.

Since that time, online radio has proliferated seemingly exponentially. Check out our directories of online radio stations to see the magnitude of what we’re talking about – we think you’ll be impressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between webcasting and broadcasting?

Traditional radio is broadcast over the airwaves. In contrast, online radio is sent out via the Internet, and this is called webcasting. From a user’s perspective, there’s little or no difference between the two concepts, except that webcasting has better sound quality.

2. What about copyright issues?

Many people are concerned about the copyright issues associated with podcasting, and want to know whether webcasting presents similar concerns. Fortunately, they’re completely different. Podcasting and file-sharing involve downloading audio files onto your computer, and therefore raise the question of how the creators should be compensated for their copyright. But with webcasting, you’re listening to a constant stream of audio (sometimes called streaming media) that you have no control over, so you don’t need to worry about copyright.

3. Do all online radio stations have regular radio stations?

No. There are some radio stations that are only “terrestrial,” others that are only online, and still others that have both broadcast and webcast services. But as the Internet continues to grow in popularity, more and more traditional radio stations are deciding to reap the benefits of accessing a world-wide audience via the Internet.

4. What radio stations can I listen to?

When you want to listen to terrestrial radio stations, you’re limited to the stations and programs that are broadcast in your area. But with online radio, there are no limits. You can listen to programs that are produced anywhere in the world. This makes online radio a great tool for learning foreign languages, or simply for learning more about international news and opinion. Check out our list of the Best Online Radio Resources for directories that can help you find the types of stations you’re looking for.