net radio

A form of webcasting that uses streaming audio technology to deliver radio programming over the Internet. You need an audio streaming application before you go to a Net radio Web site.

Net radio technology is popular with college radio stations because of its low cost and the ability to reach a wider audience. It is also popular with road warriors who use Net radio to listen to programs such as local sports games in their home town, while they're on the road.

Historical perspective: As of 2015, old-fashioned terrestrial radio still reaches more adults than any other medium. According to Nielsen in July of 2015, 93 percent of American adults listen to AM/FM radio weekly; 87 percent watch television; and 70 percent use smartphones in a given week.