/ By Soundbox

Why radio station websites still matter

The stream carries the sound; the station website carries the people, schedule, archives, and context around it.

A direct stream is convenient, but it leaves out almost everything except the audio. A station website brings back the names of hosts and shows, schedules, archives, events, support links, and the story the broadcaster chooses to tell.

Follow the source

When a set catches your attention, the station's own site is the best place to look for a tracklist or archive. It is also where schedule changes and replacement streams are most likely to appear.

Keeping that link beside the playable stream respects the difference between access and context. One starts the radio; the other helps a listener understand who made it.

A library should remember both

Saving only the stream creates an anonymous technical bookmark. Saving only the homepage can make playback awkward. A useful radio entry keeps both and lets each do its proper job.