Internet Radio

Natalie Couling, Jenna Condit, Courtney Cooper, Sarah Crowe

2) This is a host website which has sorted songs and albums in different genres such as, rock, pop, rap, oldies, country and many more. When you first enter the website, you are presented with the different genres on the top of the screen. You then simply click on the style of music the listener prefers. Once the listener clicks on the genre, it takes the listener to the main site of that genre which presents a more specified listing of the songs. After clicking on the specific style of genre, a screen will appear with a mixture of that style of music the listener has selected. You can skip or repeat the songs that appear on your screen. The display of songs gives the listener options to block songs, add songs or share them with a friend. You can also make a donation or give feedback on what you thought about the website.

Anywhere you see this icon, just click and start your listening experience.

3) Accuradio features all of the major, well-known genres such as oldies, jazz, rock, pop, latin, urban, etc., and each of these has a number of sub-genres. For example under the broad category "urban", there are blues, classic soul, and hip-hop options, and under "pop" there are top 40, adult contemporary, and love songs sub-genres. Once you have chosen a genre and are ready to start playing the songs, a list of the artists on the side of the window allows you to deselect the artists you do not want to hear, leaving only the ones you do. Once the songs begin to play, you are able to skip songs. The only drawback is that you can't see what song is coming after the one you are currently listening to. However, it is assumed that you like all the artists left on the list, and you can skip the song if you so desire.

4) On the AccuRadio site, there are indeed advertisements for various businesses. Some such businesses include a Virgin Mobile ad offering a camera phone with Bluetooth. As you click on different radio stations more advertisements appear at the bottom of the page. Some include LaQuinta Inns and Suites. As for in between songs, there seems to be about one ad, in this case, I heard one for ESurance. Another interesting feature is that when your listening to a radio station, say “Decades Radio,” and you come across a song that you really like and you want to buy it, there is the option to do so. Each station includes a picture of the current cd you are listening to as well as the previous cd and two cds ago. If you hear a song that you really like and you want to purchase it, what you do is click on the cd cover and it directs you to amazon.com. From there, you can see what other songs are featured on the cd and reviews of the cd. Although you don’t have to be a member to listen to the radio stations, there is an option that appears occasionally which asks if you would like to receive the AccuRadio newsletter for free. It also gives you the option to decline the offer and continue listening, but then the message returns later when you click on other stations.5) The genres that are available are all one’s that are pretty common. You have your Rock, Pop, Oldies, Jazz, Urban, Country, etc. However, under some of those genres you have specific types of music. One that I’ve personally never heard of is called “Cabaretdio” which is found under the “Vocals” genre. According to the site, this type of music is, “sophisticated Manhattan-based song stylists.” Another would be under the “Country” genre. It’s called “Twang” which includes the sounds of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. There does not appear to be the option of listening or checking out any celebrity playlists. There are stations that play particular artist though. If I click on the “Oldies” genre I have the option of choosing stations such as, “British InvasionD which includes The Beatles and Petula Clark. The “Motown” section includes Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Marvelettes, and the Four Tops. When you choose a particular section, you can then deselect what artists you don’t want to hear that are included in that section.

6) This website makes it easy for the listener to find exactly the style of music they like. The site is very easy to maneuver through and find exactly what you want to listen to. The best feature would have to be how organized the different genres are and how easy it is for the listener tolisten to what they want.





AccuRadio was named the winner of the 2008 "People's Voice" Webby Award for "Best Radio"