Radio Paradise: Ad-Free Radio Programmed by Real People

Wouldn’t it be nice to listen to a station that’s programmed by real humans who are passionate about what they do, and eager to share an eclectic blend of music with listeners around the world? We've found it on RadioParadise.com.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on January 04 2010

Love music? Then you probably don’t love commercial radio. Between the annoying DJs, the constant ads, and the tendency to play the same ten songs in rotation for months at a time, there’s little to appeal to the true music geek.

If you’re like us, you’ve probably switched off the radio in favor of computer-programmed playlists from sites like Pandora and Last.fm. But there’s still something missing there. Instead of relying on algorithms and similar artists, wouldn’t it be nice to listen to a station that’s programmed by real humans who are passionate about what they do, and eager to share an eclectic blend of music with listeners around the world?

Look no further than Radio Paradise, a listener-supported Internet radio station co-founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Rebecca Goldsmith. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day in high definition, and features a diverse range of talented artists like Talking Heads, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, Louis Armstrong, Led Zeppelin, and little-known independent groups like The Coral Sea—and that’s just in the last hour. The playlist jumps from indie rock to blues to classical to merengue, but unlike the randomness of your iTunes playlist, there are no jarring transitions. The music is programmed by people who care.

Radio Paradise takes advantage of the possibilities of Internet radio with user journals and a community forum where thousands of users discuss their favorite bands and songs, the British Parliamentary elections, or anything else on their minds. And if you feel strongly about a song on the station, it’s easy to share your feedback: each song that’s been broadcast can be rated and commented on, so you can meet new friends by bonding over your love for Neko Case’s “Hold On, Hold On” or The Smith’s “Cemetry Gates.”

The station makes it easy to listen, offering streams through iTunes, Windows Media Player, and even an iPhone app—all completely commercial-free. The Goldsmiths make a living off the site, relying on the kindness of their listeners, whose donations keep the station running. 10 years in, it’s going strong—we’ll look forward to letting Radio Paradise provide the soundtrack for many decades to come. Check it out at RadioParadise.com.

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