Most programs allow the listener to bookmark favorite stations for easy access, just like pre-set on a car radio. As Internet radio becomes more popular, the audio quality has improved. In the past, talk radio on the Internet sounded like a clear AM radio station. Music often sounded poor, sizzling and popping like a bad vinyl record. Now, some Internet stations are using streaming digital MP3 audio files, offering music quality that is almost as good as a compact disc.
Some annoyances remain, though.
But incidents like those don't pose a big problem. Just being able to listen to games on the Web is great, he said. Internet radio also gives would-be broadcasters and musicians the freedom to host their radio shows and even play their own music to a worldwide audience. The broadcasts allow student DJs to be heard by their families, allow alumni to listen to Dordt College sports and let Christian missionaries who are overseas keep up with news from home. Broadcasting on the Internet inspires nostalgic feelings for station manager Denny DeWaard.