Radio is still important today?

[fordy]

Makaha said:

fordy said:

Radio has the advantage over television in that it does not need to engage the eyes AND ears at the same time, therefore it can be used in a wide variety of areas where eyes are busy (driving, work etc.)

I still think that eventually the internet will consume radio like it does television, in the form of streaming radio, but it would depend on how wide of a distribution band could be achieved in remote, portable areas (remember that the original intention of the internet is supposed to be to maintain some degree of communication in the event of disasters).

I agree with your first sentence.

I disagree with your second line.

I mean how is the internet suppose to work if a Category 4 hurricane knocks down all the power lines.  But some radio stations have backup generators, and if you have a battery operated or hand-cranked operated radio, at least you have something.....

I'm talking about the initial aim of the internet, what it's design is based on. Is it like that at the moment? Sort of, but not to a reliable level, hence the "eventually". Also, I'm talking about the transport method (possible transmission via WiMax or similar technology on an IP transport protocol). 4G is already the first step towards integrating the mobile phone network more seamlessly with computer networks via packet based transmission. Broadcasting methods such as television and radio will ultimately follow.

Besides: Just because a radio station is on backup power doesn't mean a WiMax tower cannot be.