Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Online Radio vs. Satellite Radio

Online and satellite radio are two very large growing platforms for music.  Not only does it give you access to music via your phone, but it also exposes the listener to music that does not get as much publicity.  Although we are able to access music the minute it comes out, a lot of artist have not created a big enough buzz to be recognized.  Sirius XM radio is the only satellite radio station, after the merger of Sirius and XMradio.  Some of the popular online platforms are Pandora, Tunein, and Spotify.  While both can be accessed through mobile devices, there are pros and cons with each.

Online and satellite radio are similar to traditional antenna radio, but different at the same time.  The biggest difference with satellite radio is that it offers commercial free uncensored music, news and entertainment.  Satellite radio is most popular in cars, according to telemtics news, by 2017 automobile subscribers are projected to be up to 20 million people. While they dominate the automobile audience, satellite is still looking to reach listeners outside the car.  Online radio platforms like Pandora and Spotify gives you control of what you are listening to and caters to people who use mobile devices to access music.  Online radio as a whole is growing rapidly; according to statista it had an annual revenue of more than $800 million in 2012 and has projected that 67% of Americas internet users will become online radio users by 2016.  Another benefit of online radio is the ability to create your own station, giving you complete creative control.  

Both platforms have its downfalls.  Satellite radio mainly reaches out to automobile users, although it does have online services.  While this is appealing to the older crowd, it is a hassle for the younger crowd.  Another downfall for some users is the monthly subscription; although it is worth it, convincing someone to pay for music can be a challenge.  Online radio has its downfalls as well.  Although it’s free, you still have the risk of going over your data plan; no phone company offers unlimited data, so using online radio when you are not connected to wifi could eventually cost you.  You can buy larger data plans but ultimately you are paying for music.  In comparison to satellite radio, another downfall of online radio is the use of ads.  While satellite is completely commercial free, online usually has ads that run on the stations.


Online and satellite radio is continually growing and eventually will take over traditional radio.  Although we live in the age of social media, artist should take advantage of these platforms for exposure.  Radio is another outlet to your success, use it!

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