How to Find Classic Radio Shows on the Internet

With the introduction of television and the movies, radio is now mostly used to listen to music and the ramblings of DJs. Yet in it's heyday radio showcased all the great talent. Orson Welles for example first became famous as the name behind the highly influential Mercury Theatre productions. In fact in the early mid part of the 20th century radio entertained the mass public in much the same way as TV does today. The likes of Sherlock Homes and Phillip Marlowe are more part of contemporary culture because of radio than from books, TV and film. This article shows you how to rediscover this forgotten era online.

Instructions

1. Tune in to BBC radio 7 online. This digital radio station showcases classics such as Hancock's Half Hour, The Goon and Round the Horn.(see link below)

2. Download shows from Radio Lovers or OTR. These two websites have numerous, mostly American shows, from the thirties, forties and fifties. Shows include Buck Rogers, Amos and Andy and the Groucho Marx Show, but there are hundreds available.

3. Subscibe to radio internet sites like RUSC. It costs from $7.50 per month, but there is a much wider choice. RUSC boasts 10,000 shows.(link below)

4. Listen online to classic Orson Welles. In the 30's Orson Welles transformed radio drama with his Mercury Theartre including the now legendary War of the Worlds. Many of the shows are available for free at the Mercury Theatre link below.

5. Discover Chris Morris. A more contemporary innovator of the radio meduim, his comedy shows, such as Blue Jam, are available on Cook 'n' Bombed. You have to register on the site before you delve into his rather adult themed archives.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to download a player such as real player to play the programs.

• If you are looking for a specific show then the best way is to wiki the name of the show and and in the resource section there should be a link to a site that plays the program.

Resources

• BBC Radio 7
• Radio Lovers
• RUSC
• Mercury Theatre
• Cook and Bombed