Online Radio vs. Traditional Radio

Online radio v. traditional radio, it is a quiet battle that has been going on throughout the past few years. The evolution of today's technology has taken away from what used to be the heart and soul of radio. In an article I read it talked about how in the early days of radio the DJ selected most or all of his or her own music and it was a one on one relationship where the listeners were able to call in and request specific songs and the radio station would play it without worrying about the money and advertisers. But, now with all the new technology which allows all the music and commercial spots to be scheduled and on air personalities are syndicated from different places, it takes away the personable aspect that radio used to have. This new technology doesnt allow for the request that listeners used to be able to make. With traditional radio going in this direction, where they are more worried about playing certain predetermined playlist of songs and commercial spots just to appease the stations sponsor's, online radio has been steadily growing because it is a form of communication allowing people more control and giving the listeners a true voice (discussed in this article). With online radio people are able to regain control and decide what it is that they care to listen too. Pandora is a website that allows you to choose an artist you may be in the mood to listen too at the time and the program randomly plays songs by that artist and also by artist that are very similar. With this new technology it only lacks the human aspect where there is not a DJ but for many listeners such as myself who have grown tired of all the syndicated shows that many radio stations have turned too in order to save a little but of money, the option Pandora gives you is nice. When I first became interested in radio it wasn't only the musci but also the on-air personalities who were local and made the station and show seem more unique and personable. Another edge internet radio has on traditional radio is that with traditional radio you rely on the antenna reception of the channel where as with online radio as long as your internet connection is good you are able to choose from many radio stations without worrying about the reception. This video speaks about this and the fact that online radioi does seem to be the future...
The battle has only begun and it is not a coincidence that many radio stations have already offered a link on their website where listeners can now listen live online.