Small World - Internet Radio Is Making It Smaller
Much has been said about the technology, the viability, and the utilization of internet radio. It is yet another way of accessing media, but it also opens more doors into our world.
Connecting to stations around the world changes the way we gather information and media. Independent wireless radios are now available to put next to your bed, so you can wake up to that funny station in Britain. Eventually, these will replace AM/FM clock radios, just as those same radios replaced the old hammer and bell alarm clocks.
Will it replace the airwaves? Doubtfully – when synthesizers first came out there was a wave of panic in the music world. It was to be the downfall of acoustic instruments. There was talk of orchestras and symphonic bands being driven to the proverbial trash can. Would these synthesizers render live musicians obsolete?
It didn’t happen. There is a unique timbre to acoustic instruments that digital sound can never truly duplicate. It will be the same with radio, I believe. Though the manner in which you listen to those stations may change, there will always be a need to hear from your local DJ’s.
The real impact with internet and Wi-Fi radio will be found in its diversity. Being able to cross boundaries. Taking advantage of broadening our views and shedding some of our provincial appetites and assumptions. Having new resources to educate ourselves and seeing beyond our social fences.
When we hear or read the news on television, in our papers, or online, there is a cultural bias. It’s inevitable. Journalists try to remain as objective as possible when they write their stories. They research and report what’s going on. But in each country, news is presented within their cultural understanding. And that’s OK.
Internet radio has the potential to help us reach across the barriers of culture and country. When you think about all the cultural differences spread across the globe, it’s no wonder there are so many misunderstandings. Something as simple as the color green can be interpreted in many different ways depending on where you live.
Being able to listen to news and hear about events in Australia or Japan or Norway or anywhere you want can allow you to hear things from another viewpoint. What we, here in the U.S., consider important and noteworthy may not even make a blip in another country. Then again, something inconsequential here may be huge in France.
News in other countries has a completely different feel and flavor. You can listen to opposing facts and commentaries that wouldn’t even be mentioned here. Getting a more comprehensive picture is a very good thing.
Yes, internet radio has the potential to open our minds. Hopefully, we will have the acumen to seize that opportunity. Because it is a small world after all.
Shawn is the editor for Sewell Direct where you can find Wi-Fi radios. She also handles copywriting, editing, and much more for independent clients.
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