It's been many generations now since radio was born. A crackling signal carrying serial dramas and comedies, news, and live concerts entered the living rooms of families across the globe in the early days. Later, the enjoyment of music and talk could be enjoyed on portable transistor and car radios as people went about their business or at least until the weather or distance eliminated the signal.
Over the years however, radio started to fade as an entertainment medium as crystal clear digital music offered front row type listening for music lovers with portable CD, DVD, and MP3 players for their home and travels; no commercials to interrupt the enjoyment and no fading signal. As the tastes of listeners expanded, a dozen or so receivable stations could no longer deliver the diversity of programming that was desired. For some, the regulations of the FCC also quelled some of the "edgier" entertainment that they craved.
Although the uninterrupted, superior audio quality of pre-recorded music has drawn many away from radio listening, the depth of the entertainment experience can be lacking. Switching to a news or weather broadcast for updates, taking in an in depth discussion on a topic of interest, or enjoying a good laugh with a favorite show simply isn't part of the experience. Discovering new artists or favorite genres is also less likely unless a friend shares something new.
More recently however, listeners who desire better quality audio and uninterrupted entertainment no longer have to forgo the broader entertainment experience offered by radio. With the emergence of satellite radio, new life has been breathed into the old medium.
Because satellite radio is broadcast by communications satellite, the reach of the signal is not limited by station power; the channel can be heard virtually anywhere. As a result, listeners in their car can travel across the continent and continue listening to the same station uninterrupted.
Satellite radio also offers higher sound quality than traditional radio broadcasts. Static, fading, and signal breakup are virtually eliminated. In addition, with many commercial free stations and programming, listeners are often left to enjoy their chosen entertainment interruption free.
For many listeners, satellite radio also provides entertainment that is unavailable through any other medium. Free from many of the regulations that limit traditional radio broadcasts and having a diversity of programming that encompasses almost every genre imaginable, there is generally something for everyone on satellite radio. As a result, listeners are able to completely immerse themselves in a preferred genre or to easily discover new favorites.
For many listeners who have experienced satellite radio, the enhanced features make the small monthly fee for the service well worth it. Certainly it offers a broader and potentially higher quality entertainment experience than its predecessor which makes it worthy of a look by those who haven't yet experienced this newer version of radio.
