In a recent thread about the tens-of-tousands of internet radio stations available on Wi-Fi Radio, it appears that we are in a time of plenty.
If so many radio stations can manage to exist that must be a good thing. Right?
As individual listeners, of course, there is no way in the world to benefit from so many program sources, as inevitably we'll choose a few we like and ignore the rest.
Another dillution of the available web resources takes place each time one of us starts a new radio station, which of course will rivet our own attention and absorb our time so that we are not available to listen to other radio stations.
Frankly, since I began operation of a Part 15 and streaming radio station in 2007, I have seen many worthy program efforts give it up and pull the plug. I will sometime do a historic recollection of the best ones who are gone.
What I see is an enormous mirage in which the future looks more plentiful than any age of gold so far known in world history. But in fact it's a sand hill nearing high tide, when it will all wash away.
But that's not the grand finale. We may still be alive in that failed future, and should seriously consider the radio ads for "enough food to survive for 26-years."
If this were a work of literature, I would aim for a cool ending line. But it's the real world and I think we would like to avoid "ending."
You all take over from here.
You know I love everything you write.
But this is too deep for me, and I
don't even have a pool here.
Bruce, The DOGRADIO Group
It's like you just inherited your uncle's huge collection of 10,000 vinyls and CDs. At first you are thrilled, then after a while, it's like why bother. Or, compare it to your 500 channel cable TV. Scan it a few times and you end up watching 5 or 10.
Live365 was once a great place to explore. Now, it's a mess. The most popular feeds play cover band crap to sidestep copyright problems. Listening for a while gives you the same feeling you get after attending an expensive wedding with an expensive band playing all the oldies, or the feeling you get after you attend an Elvis impersonator show. It's fatiguing in the long run.
The best bet is probably to find a stream from a real live broadcast station, if you can find one you consistently like.
The real value of radio is local content. This is what gets the most listeners and gets loyalty. In the old days you most consistemtly listened to a small number of local stations. They provided local news along with popular music. You may be able to find local stations on the internet, but why bother? Listen to them on your radio.
(I posted the text below in this thread last night, but this morning it was gone. Trying again.)
You may be able to find local stations on the internet, but why bother? Listen to them on your radio.
People not living in or close to a major market may not be able to receive a broadcast station with a classical music format (for example). Even a metro area as large as St Louis, MO now has no classical FM station programming for those who don't have an "HD" FM radio -- even then it has an HD2 slot.
My VTech Internet radio accesses WQXR New York, WFMT Chicago, WIAA Interlochen, WQED Pittsburgh and scores of others. Those are the stations I listen to for classical music.
For regional news I listen to WBBM AM 780 Chicago on the VTech. I can receive WBBM directly on a standard AM receiver - but not without noise, interference and nighttime fading. Their internet stream sounds a lot better.
Weather information and emergency alerts specifically for my county are available 24/7 from my NOAA weather radio.
Local news I get from local AM/FM/TV stations, and the local paper.
The large number of web radio stations is only one self-defeating paradox of radio broadcasting in the internet age. Another problem has been strongly hinted at, and that is the discomforting problem of funding.
The old model was simple. If a corporate boss accepted a project idea, they provided the budget or salary to enable performance. The only problem was that many were shut out, their ideas rejected.
The new model is a whole new gold rush: internet freedom; get online and do your idea as your own boss. And your own funder.
But earnings are scarce in the new world, except for a few rare geniuses who seem to make it go.
In essence the new fund strategy is known as begging; holding out a virtual cup or hat, webeneurs seek donations.
It is because there aren't enough generous donors that many worthwhile projects have already been abandoned.
I get many excellent programs for my Part 15 and internet radio stations, and I would happily pay for them except for the sorry fact that my enterprise generates zero income. It is a pocket financied hobby, and my pockets are tattered. Paying for programming would be a self-sacrifice.
Therefore it is not just the extreme number of internet radio stations that dillute the landscape, it is also the poverty.