The Communications Model of Online Radio: A Study of the Main European Stations

Abstract

The model of online distribution involves a deep transformation of the audio medium. The goal of this article is to propose a theoretical framework that gathers the main changes occurring in radio on Internet and verify the degree of implementation of those novelties in the ten stations with the most audience in four European countries (Spain, France, the United Kingdom and Germany). In accordance with this double goal, following the elaboration of the theoretical framework, an empirical study is proposed through application of a file that gathers a series of indicators, grouped on three levels: a) transformations driven by technological changes; b) changes in narrative treatment; and c) mutations in the relation between station and audience (interactivity). The results show the high degree of use of the potentialities offered by the online medium for the distribution of audio and radiophonic content, although the degree of adoption varies depending on the type of indicator.