Ever wish you could skip the song on the radio and request your own favorite tune? Well that is now possible with the flood of new companies offering Internet radio stations and media streaming technologies. Canadian organizations have made a significant impact within this new industry, providing consumers with unmatched control, customization and music selection.
Companies like Iceberg Media, RadioMoi and Moontaxi have attracted thousands of consumers, as well as many large corporate partners, including Ford Canada, HMV, and Du Maurier.
For consumers, Internet radio stations offer many advantages over their traditional predecessor, empowering individuals to choose or block specific songs, music genres, artists and media players. Rather than waiting to hear a song you enjoy, or trying to get through an (800) line to request it, you can simply search and play the song instantly online.
These features are very popular with online youth, the Toronto-based marketing agency Youthography found last May that, 43 per cent of Canadians aged 16 to 24 had used an online radio channel in the past month. For marketers, this provides a unique communication tool, as many companies have launched their own branded radio channels. Consumers visiting www.Ford.ca will find a promotion for “Expect More Radio”, Ford Canada’s youth targeted private label Internet radio station. HMV also launched a branded radio station that gives consumers the ability to purchase the song they are listening to, with the click of a button.
Du Maurier Ltd. is using its arts and entertainment related sponsorships, in partnership with Iceberg Media, to create live streaming broadcasts of selected concerts and festivals in the near future. This broadens the reach of such events, and can create brand awareness within its adult target audience.
Although available for dial-up users, this technology is really most effective with high-speed customers. Dial-up Internet users frequently experience a “Buffering” action, that pauses the media streaming, lasting for several seconds. High-speed cable or DSL Internet usually eliminates “Buffering” and provides a higher quality audio/video streaming experience.
To experience Internet radio yourself, check out some of the links below.
Internet Radio Stations
