ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the sizeable impact of online technologies on music documentary production by examining changes in production processes and considering how the Internet has increased the speed of pre-production. It discusses the rising popularity of on-demand audio and music-based podcasts, as well as the visualisation of radio. The medium of radio was well suited to adapt to new online technologies and, as a result, listeners are now able to use online audio platforms to engage with radio documentary content. The arrival of the Internet revolutionised modes of radio transmission and has subsequently become one of the main forms of audio distribution. Radio has traditionally encouraged listener feedback and basic forms of participation, with requests and dedications often included within live music programming. The development of radio websites, online chatrooms, dedicated fan-sites, Facebook and RSS feeds, and suchlike now offer audiences highly detailed information about upcoming radio programming, specific to their particular interests.
