KCRW's NEW Media Player Groundbreaking new digital features empower online listeners to make KCRW their own.
Public radio station 89.9 FM KCRW-Santa Monica/KCRW.com is at the forefront of radio’s digital revolution and has taken a giant step by launching a custom-built media player created specifically to give their loyal listeners – and future fans – more of what they want.
Wired
“KCRW, which has already attracted a relatively large online following for its webcasts, doubled down on its digital strategy with a new web-based streaming application that lets users choose mix and match radio segments into their own customized stream.”
Digital Media Wire
“The media player might eventually allow KCRW to compete with other, much larger music and news content providers.”
AppScout
I firmly believe that KCRW is one of top best radio stations in the country. Aside from featuring some of the best music and talk shows on the air, the station has also long been at the forefront of digital distribution.
“There isn't another media player that offers listeners all these features in one place,” said Anil Dewan, KCRW’s Director of New Media. “The player allows them to access playlists, subscribe to podcasts, embed content on blogs, buy a CD from an artist or a book of the author being interviewed, and share links to their favorite programs with friends.”
Listeners think of the Santa Monica-based public radio station as their own and the new media player will put the power in their hands and personalize their listening experience. The station is opening up the doors to their archives in a way they never have before, allowing users to create their own “Channel” – a Tivo-like function that will enable them to bookmark shows, performances and interviews to listen to at their convenience. They will also be able to easily share links to performances with friends or embed them into a blog.
KCRW currently hosts three separate streams (an on air simulcast; a 24/7 online music channel; and an all news channel) and more podcasts than any other public radio station, including free audio/video podcasts of band performances on Morning Becomes Eclectic, Left Right and Center, and Harry Shearer’s Le Show.
These online upgrades are made possible in part by a generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation that was given to help us develop business models to sustain our webcasting operations and further our innovative online music service.
Digitaria, Inc. (www.digitaria.com), a full-service digital marketing and technology firm, designed and developed KCRW's new media player. Additional delivery and media management support is provided by Castfire, AndoMedia, Sample Digital and Limelight Networks.
For questions and information please email us at webservices@kcrw.com