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Who Invented Internet Radio? (Clarified and Corrected)

1.Carl Malamud's "Internet Talk Radio" (1993)-Not Radio

Often miscredited, this was not a radio broadcast. It was a series of downloadable audio interviews, not streamed, not scheduled, and not continuous. 

The use of the word "radio" in the name does not make it a broadcast.There are no public archives or technical evidence to support its structure or audience reach.Conclusion: An early digital audio project, not internet radio.

2.WXYC, University of North Carolina (1994)-Experimental Simulcast, Not a Station 

WXYC did broadcast over the internet starting in November 1994, using CU-SeeMe, a rudimentary video conferencing tool. 

However:

  • It was not a 24/7 operation
  • Operated sporadically, depending on university schedules
  • CU-SeeMe was designed for small group sharing, not mass distribution
  • No public archives or listener data exist from the time

 

Conclusion: A notable academic test, not a functioning radio station.

3.NetFM (Australia)-The World's FirstTrue Internet Radio Station (1998)

Established in October 1998, NetFM was built from the ground up as a 24/7 internet-only radio station. It fulfilled

every criterion of true radio broadcasting:

  • Scheduled, continuous live programming
  • Licensed music and original shows, including The Vinyl Lounge
  • Professional DJs and hosts
  • High-fidelity proprietary streaming tech
  • Publicly accessible worldwide
  • Real-time listener interaction via chat rooms and requests

In 1999, NetFM became the first internet radio station to air a Coca-Cola commercial, validating its status as a serious media platform.

Conclusion: NetFM is the world's first true internet radio station.

Final Conclusion

Who Invented Internet Radio? (Clarified and Corrected)

Claims that Carl Malamud or WXYC invented internet radio are based on weak or non-existent evidence, and often confuse experiments or terminology with actual broadcasting.

The first real internet radio stations were:

  • Professionally run
  • 24/7
  • Built to serve an audience
  • Documented, licensed,and publicly accessible


By this measure, NetFM deserves recognition as the first legitimate internet radio station in the world

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