What form of radio broadcasting uses the internet to deliver audio content on demand?

The form of radio broadcasting that utilizes the internet to deliver audio content on demand is known as a podcast. Unlike traditional radio, which broadcasts live at scheduled times, podcasts are digital audio (and sometimes video) files that listeners can download or stream whenever it's convenient for them. This on-demand nature is a key differentiator, allowing for a personalized listening experience that isn't tied to a broadcast schedule.

The term "podcast" itself is a portmanteau, coined in 2004, combining "iPod" (Apple's portable media player) and "broadcast." However, the technological foundation (Review) for podcasts began earlier, with software developer Dave Winer creating the first audio RSS feed in 2003. This innovation allowed for the automatic delivery of new audio content to subscribed users, a core feature of podcasting. Early pioneers like former MTV VJ Adam Curry and Dave Winer further developed the concept, creating applications to download internet radio broadcasts to iPods.

Podcasts have evolved significantly, moving beyond simple repurposed radio shows to become a diverse medium offering original content on an immense range of topics. From educational series and deep-dive journalism to comedy and storytelling, there's a podcast for nearly every interest. This accessibility and variety, combined with the ability to listen while multitasking, has made podcasts a popular and disruptive force in media, providing a flexible and engaging way for millions to consume information and entertainment.