On July 4, 2011, AARP formally announced the launch of its new custom online radio service and music site. Created in tandem with Concord Music Group and running on the Slacker platform, this is aimed at helping older adults get access to easy to use streamed radio channels and a range of related services at no cost. What can you expect from AARP Internet Radio?
What Does the Custom Radio Player do?
The player offers the chance to stream free music to a computer. This means that you can load it up and listen to various radio channels on your PC or laptop. You can't download or save any tracks – this is simply a radio station that you listen to online. There are currently 18 channels to choose from with around 500 tracks rotating in each. Although content has been chosen to meet the tastes of older people, this doesn't time-limit track choice and the player showcases new music as well as old favorites.
You can also learn more about tracks and artists from bio and info buttons and access other services via the site's music portal. If you are a registered user, you will be able to join the music community's chat forums and AARP members will ultimately be able to guest DJ on a Members Choice channel which will be set up in the near future.
How Does AARP Internet Radio Work?
You access the player online via the AARP website. Its functions have been kept simple and clear – all you have to do is choose a channel and then control your listening with basic play, pause and skip buttons. You can listen to music while using your computer to do other things as the player will simply sit in the background until you close it down. Stations are only available to people living in the U.S. or Canada. In time, it is hoped that the service will also be available as an app for mobile devices.
Why Has AARP Set up an Online Radio Station?
According to Hugh Delehanty, senior vice president of AARP's media properties ("AARP and Concord Music Group Launch New Online Offerings for Music Lovers 50+", AARP.org, July 4, 2011) this new service is: "easy to use and makes new resources available to people who may not be used to getting their music online, as well as those who already are.”
There are, of course, many free streaming radio stations online but many older people find them complicated to use or have problems finding channels that appeal to them. This age group does not necessarily simply want to listen to old music and this service may fill a gap for the 50+ market both in terms of music targeting and simplicity of design.
This move also makes sound commercial sense. A report in The New York Times ("AARP Begins an Internet Radio Service, Mixing Familiar Hits With New Artists", Ben Sisario, July 3, 2011) states that older people are the age group "most attached" to CDs. Targeting this demographic with free online alternatives broadens the reach of the digital music industry. It is also likely to be useful to many seniors who are having to budget hard at the moment and who don't have spare cash to buy music.
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
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