Internet radio on the rise

Spoilt for choice

With these in place, you are all set. There seem to be no ethical boundaries for such stations, but most of the proprietors have chosen the safer option by not having talk.

These stations appeal to free spirited people, who resent regulated material. Besides, listeners are spoilt for choice when it comes to genres, which are as diverse as there are moods.

And there is a radio locator search engine that enables you to pick whatever you fancy, either by genre or station, a complete A-Z selection.

As an online radio proprietor, advertising becomes your source of cash since listener subscription is usually free. The publicity for underground (non-mainstream) radio stations leaves a lot to be desired.

For most underground e-radios, there seems to be a struggle to get the numbers tuning in as some patrons just stumble on to them after a genre search.

Kenya’s MC Shenzi’s Mtaa FM had only two listeners when I checked in, compared with the tens of thousands streaming on other stations.

Mtaa FM features music by underground artistes, who mostly play hip-hop. Mtaa FM, just like Kenyangospelradio.com, is hosted by www.shoutcast.com, which offers live streaming that they send out to listeners.

It is a live event, much like standard FM radio. So online radio seems like its all about freedom. Freedom to speak and be heard, to chose what to listen, whenever.

Perhaps it is a for the little guy to realize his dream of getting into the broadcast industry by working hard.