Listen to the radio on your computer

Turn your computer into a global radio receiver

By Wayne MacPhail

Any computer with an Internet connection can easily be turned into a global radio receiver. All it takes is some software and some tips on where to look so you can listen. Let’s spin the dial.

Getting started

First, some background. All over the world, radio stations and many individuals have created Internet radio stations. The CBC and National Public Radio are real-time or archived broadcasts of public radio programs you can hear like a normal radio (if you are in the range of the station). Others, such as ChoiceRadio and SHOUTcast, are “radio” stations developed specifically for the Internet.

Deborah McIvor, a graphic/web designer working in Toronto, just recently discovered online radio stations. “I’m hooked,” she says. “I really love the absence of annoying commercials and especially appreciate finding music from artists that are not continually being rotated through the local commercial radio stations.”

To turn your computer into a radio, you’ll need to download a player such as Windows Media Player 11. Internet radio also commonly broadcasts in RealOne and QuickTime formats, also easily downloadable programs.

Musical possibilities

It is pretty easy to start exploring different radio stations immediately with Windows Media Player 11. Launch the player, click on the Media Guide button in the top right-hand corner of the player and select Radio. You’ll find a list of dozens of radio “stations” that have custom-built playlists of songs by genre, such as Latin, Christian Hits, Jazz, Americana and Roots, or Rap & Hip Hop.

The web is another great place to search for music. Visit MP3.com to discover sound files from hundreds of unsigned and mainstream acts worldwide. Drop by Live365.com and pick from dozens of genres and wild indie radio stations featuring exotica, drum and bass, trip hop, and jazz.

Listen in real time

Or listen to your own favourite radio station anywhere in the house on your computer. Most major music stations now have web sites where you can access their music and broadcasts in real time — whether it’s BBC Radio in England or The Beat in Vancouver.

The CBC’s web page also allows you find a map of local live broadcast streams across Canada — just click on the town and listen in.

McIvor is now a fan of many artists that can only be found on Net radio. She’s discovered several acoustic versions or remixes of well-known songs and has a new appreciation for them.

“It’s also amazing to be able to pick any spot on the globe and listen to music, news and commentaries from people who live in a completely different area of the world,” she explains.

Of course, once you start listening to the radio online, you may want other peripherals to enhance the experience. To get the most out of the stations you select, consider hooking up a good set of speakers to your computer. You can plug them into your headphone jack (or in some cases a USB port).