Streaming Platforms’ Solution: Human-Driven Internet Radio Stations in Chicago
Internet Radio in Chicago
In a world where streaming-music platforms strive to solve the existential dread of too many choices with algorithmic playlists, independently run online stations like Terry Radio and London’s NTS Radio offer a human-driven reprieve.
They provide a platform where anyone can try their hand at broadcasting. With the availability of easy-to-use software and low cost audio equipment, the barrier to starting an online radio station is now lower than ever.
Radio Stations
There are a number of radio stations in Chicago that cater to local tastes. Several have a focus on blues, jazz, and soul music, while others promote emerging artists. Some also have a strong emphasis on news and public affairs. Many of these radio stations can be streamed via the internet. This service is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Online radio provides listeners with a wide range of choice and can be played on any device with an internet connection. In addition, it allows small and medium-size businesses to advertise to a larger audience. Moreover, it provides the flexibility to change between stations and to pause, skip, or replay songs. Many Internet radio services also feature apps that can be used to connect to a specific station. They are usually free to use. This list of internet radio stations can be sorted by call letters, frequencies, cities of license, and programming formats.
Podcasts
Radio has a unique ability to connect with listeners in real time. Because of this, many people still see it as the most trustworthy form of media. Podcasts, however, are a more democratic medium. They are not regulated, and they are often self-produced. This can lead to a more informal style that can be appealing to listeners.
Unlike traditional radio, which is broadcast at a fixed time, podcasts are available on demand. As such, listeners may choose to skip a show or stop listening midway through. As a result, podcasts require more attention from their listeners than conventional radio shows do.
From sports to history, there are a variety of podcasts that offer interesting and entertaining information about Chicago. For example, Bears Bites will appeal to die-hard fans with its in-depth and entertaining analysis of the team. Similarly, the Chicago Acoustic Underground podcast introduces listeners to local musicians by combining interviews with music. The Windy City Historians podcast also offers a diverse selection of engaging episodes.
Music
Streaming internet radio stations allow you to listen to radio without an antenna, but they do require access to the internet. These stations are often free to listen to and can be accessed on a variety of devices. They also offer a wide range of genres and can be customized to fit your preferences.
Online radio also offers new opportunities for small and midsize businesses to advertise. It is not limited by the reach of a traditional radio station’s signal, and it can be listened to on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Beloved Radio was launched by the local DJ collective Beloved in 2022 to create a kind of Chicago version of the niche music-mixing services like Dublab and NTS, which have helped launch careers for artists as diverse as photographer Jacob Pesci, FroSkate founder Karlie Thornton, and Dehd guitarist-vocalist Mia Joy. Each week, Beloved Radio features a mix curated by one of its members.
Advertising
A radio advertisement is a powerful way to reach your target audience. It generates strong consumer recall and a high call to action, making it an effective medium for small and midsize businesses looking to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Empire can help you penetrate the soundwaves and capture a captive Chicago audience on their favourite radio stations, ensuring your message gets heard and remembered.
Internet radio also provides new opportunities for advocacy messaging by mixing music with activism, environmental and social messages. For example, Zero24-7 Web Radio – the world’s first Internet radio station to be both crowdsourced and professionally programmed — was launched in February 1999.
Cumulus Media offers marketers personalized connections, local impact and national reach across broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, voice, and live event platforms. With industry-leading audience measurement, power influencers, full-service audio solutions, and comprehensive research and insights, Cumulus delivers $6 for every $1 spent on radio advertising.