The Digital Hub of Erik Anderson
Posts tagged Internet Radio
Internet Radio
Apr 27th
On Saturday, I sat in on a panel regarding the history of internet radio.
The panel discussed different methods of setting up your webstream. I learned that at WXOU our webstream is setup as most standard web stations are setup, through Shoutcast. I also was reminded like I am every year at BEA, that WXOU is also a lot better off than most stations. First because we are directly funded, Second, because we have an FM frequency, and Third because even though our frequency range might suck, we can still be heard in some areas.
The panel was great because there was a lot of interaction between panel members and audience members. One woman asked if other stations had as much problems working with IT departments. Everyone in the room laughed. I suggested that if you’re gonna work with the IT department at your university, make sure you are dealing with the person who can click the button on whatever settings you need verses a customer support person. I found that if you don’t have the final person, the tech support person might tell you something can’t be done when in actuality, it can.
Judging by this panel, radio is definitely getting more interactive and will definably have a future online.
Day 5: Internet and Broadcast Radio
Apr 27th
The reasons for starting internet stations are powerful. While broadcasting ON AIR the traditional way has its own benefits, the fact is many bands in metropolitan areas are completely full (which is the case for WXOU and why our broadcast is relatively weak compared to some of the big stations), internet radio can be a great equalizer.
Creating a local appeal can still be a powerful way to make a community impact, even if you are available globally via the internet. Local bands and sports are sill a key in College Internet Radio, as they can get the community involved in the radio explicitly.
Using the Twitter feed as a headline for your news and website feed are a great way to keep listeners up to date on the station – the 140 character limit per Twitter post lends itself to being a headline. Creating a specific hash tag for the story can allow other people to use it and create a dialog among consumers of the news and the news source. Hopefully when wxou.org gets a face-lift, we will be able to greater include Twitter and other social media to help build a greater fan base.
-Phantom