How internet radio reaches your browser.
LoveRadio helps you find a stream, but the audio travels directly from the broadcaster or its streaming provider to your device.
Reviewed by LoveRadio editorial · 25 August 2026The signal path
- The station creates a live programme and encodes it as an audio stream.
- A streaming server distributes that signal through a public URL.
- A directory stores station metadata and the stream address.
- LoveRadio checks and organises the record, then your browser requests the audio when you press play.
Why a stream can stop
Radio streams are long-lived network connections. Mobile handovers, sleeping devices, expiring URLs, server maintenance and regional rules can interrupt them. LoveRadio’s player detects stalls and retries where that is safe, but it cannot repair a broadcaster server that is offline.
Directory versus broadcaster
The broadcaster is responsible for programmes and its own advertising. LoveRadio is responsible for discovery, presentation, account features and the quality of its directory experience. This distinction is why station corrections and rights requests have a dedicated process.