MP3 FAQ

WNYC now offers our live AM & FM internet streams in MP3 format! Here's everything you ever wanted to know about WNYC's MP3 streams, but were afraid to ask.

Why MP3?

Simple: we want to make it easier to listen to WNYC online! MP3 is a popular audio format which plays in a number of different audio players.

What do I need to listen to the MP3 Streams?

Several free players will play our MP3 streams, including: WinAmp, Real Player and Apple's iTunes. (WNYC AM and FM are listed in the iTunes Radio Directory, look in the Public Radio folder)

What are those little numbers next to the live audio links?

The numbers represent the "bitrate", the amount of digitized information that is sent through the stream each second. There is a direct correlation between higher bitrate and higher quality, but a high bitrate stream may require a broadband connection (office network, cable modem or DSL). Our FM MP3 stream is encoded at 32k. Our AM MP3 stream is encoded at 24k. Both work on either a dial-up modem or broadband connection. We also offer a broadband-only 96k FM MP3 stream weekdays from 7pm-5am.

Why does the link for the 96k MP3 stream only appear some of the time?

A high quality 96k Stereo MP3 live stream is available for WNYC-FM weekdays from 7pm to 5am ET, when our music programming is scheduled. At present, we cannot afford to offer broadband web streams during the day due to the volume of internet traffic we receive.

Can I use the QuickTime player?

Not easily. To play our MP3 streams in Quicktime, right click on the stream link, and select copy shortcut . Then, in your Quicktime player, Under the File options, select open "Open URL in New Player..." and paste the link.

How can I bookmark WNYC's audio streams?

Windows Users: Drag the link to your desktop or right click on a stream link, select "Save Target As..." or "Add to Favorites"

Mac Users: Drag the link to your desktop or control-click and select "Download link to disk" or "Add to Favorites"

I have an iPOD, is WNYC's stream downloadable?

No. Our streams are offered in non-downloadable format but we offer Podcasts and downloadable MP3 archives of many programs.

I have a Macintosh, can I listen to the "Windows" streams

Yes. Windows Media Player is available for Macintosh.

How do I connect to WNYC's MP3 streams?

• WNYC FM MP3
• WNYC AM MP3

Need More?

I have another question or a comment.

If you have experienced difficulty with WNYC's live or archived audio streams or Podcasts, and cannot find an answer to your problem on our Audio Help or Podcasting Help pages, please fill out our online audio help form so that we may try to help you.