Free Radio Stations

About Free Radio

Music, news, and talk radio have long been an integral part of people's lives, and today technology offers us more options than ever before. In addition to standard FM and AM radio stations, there are thousands of free radio stations online, allowing you to listen to whatever type of music, news, and programs you want, at any time of day or night. People unsatisfied with the variety and content of standard radio stations can find many options online, from world radio to unique programs to customizable stations.

Free Internet radio stations may offer on-demand programs or music, available via pre-recorded media files, streaming broadcasts available in real-time, or a combination of both services. You can listen on any Internet capable equipment, such as home computers, wireless notebooks, and Web-ready cell phones.

What you Need to Listen to Internet Radio

In addition to your Internet service and browser, you'll need a media player. You can obtain free downloads many media players specific for your operating system. Following are a few of the most popular:

• Windows Media Player
• Real Player
• Win Amp Media Player
• QuickTime

Most radio station sites will state what browser (and version) and media player will work best for that specific site.

Finding Free Radio Stations Online

Search Tips

With the tremendous number of free radio stations available on the 'Net, it may help to narrow down your search. Looking for a certain type of music? Search radio stations specifically of that genre. Interested in a special program or podcast? Type in the name of the program or name of the host.

Radio Directories

To assist you in your search of free stations that play the type of music or programs you want, there are a number of free directories to help narrow the focus without navigating through every radio site on the 'Net. Following are a few popular radio directories available:

• Live 365: This directory site offers a convenient search box and advanced search features if you are looking for something very specific. You can also browse through their main genres or select from over 200 sub-genre topics. They also highlight recommended stations and new stations.

• Shoutcast: This site is powered by America Online in conjunction with XM satellite radio to offer thousands of free online stations to visitors. Search popular stations, quick genres, or comprehensive genre lists and start listening with the convenient "Tune In!" link located next to the station name in the directory.

• Real Radio: Search by genre, browse recently played stations, or check out editor's picks.

Customizable Free Stations

To listen to only what you really love, a new innovation in Internet radio is offering a chance to customize your stations to your preferences. The following are a few of the sites that offer this feature:

• Pandora: A revolutionary free music service that creates a customized station based on initial preferences you type in.

• Slacker: Offers free customizable options and lists available artists. Utilize its unique player for a great listening experience.

• Yahoo Launchcast: Create free customized stations, view the guide, or browse genre and artist selections.

• MSN Radio: At this MSN site, you can create a personalized station, or browse through unique stations other listeners have created.

Local FM/AM Stations

With your stereo, portable player, or car radio, you can always get your local FM and AM stations free. You can also listen to most of those stations for free online as well - simply look up the station site and see if they offer a streaming audio link. Find which FM and AM stations offer free online listening by looking in a directory like Radio Locator under call letters, location, or format.