Virgin Radio begins simulcasting its radio output over the Internet
approximate date
Virgin Radio began making its terrestrial programming available to Internet listeners through RealAudio, creating an early example of a traditional radio station extending its live output worldwide through streaming.
Historical context
RealAudio had made continuous Internet audio practical on ordinary consumer connections during 1995. Radio broadcasters were therefore among the first established media organizations able to experiment with true live Internet distribution without requiring television-scale bandwidth.
What happened
Virgin Radio's website allowed Internet users equipped with the RealAudio player to listen to the station's programming online. Contemporary reporting described the stream as roughly AM-quality mono audio, reflecting the severe bandwidth limits of dial-up Internet connections.
Consequences
The simulcast demonstrated that a geographically limited terrestrial broadcaster could acquire an international audience through the Internet. The model became fundamental to Internet radio and later to the online distribution strategies of conventional broadcasters.
Related people
Sources
- Virgin radio: boot up and feel the musicThe Independent
- Proposed Acquisition of Ginger Media for £225mScottish Media Group / RNS via Investegate