Nostalgia for the good old days never seems to pass, no matter how far we advance in terms of technology and entertainment. That’s why classic old time radio shows are still so popular today, available to stream and download.
In fact, your favorite podcasts may never have existed without old time radio, so it’s worth getting to know a bit about its history. Below you’ll also find eight great websites that offer free access to programs from the golden age of radio.
What Is Old Time Radio?
Before TV took over, radio was one of the world’s main sources of entertainment. Apart from news, commercials, and music, it also broadcast shows: dramas, mysteries, comedies, and more.
Families in the 1920s through to the 1960s gathered around to listen to what we now call old time radio shows. They included the likes of Abbot and Costello, The Goldbergs, Tales of the Texas Rangers, and Suspense.
Thanks to fans of classic entertainment, most of these programs still exist and thrive online. Not only that, but getting them on your computer or smartphone is even easier than unlocking your mobile device’s FM radio.
1. YouTube: Old Time Radio Shows
There isn’t much YouTube doesn’t offer, so it’s no surprise that you can enjoy radio’s golden oldies as well. A simple search will bring up different options, but subscribing to channels dedicated to the genre is even better.
Old Time Radio Shows, running since 2014, contains a nice range of programs, from Sherlock Holmes and The Lone Ranger to Lights Out and Dimension X.
Another great example is The World War II News and Old Time Radio Channel, which recounts that specific era through its broadcasts, including speeches and news reports.
2. Relic Radio
The radio’s historic value is just as important in keeping its memory alive. Fortunately, websites like Relic Radio are popular because people really do love traveling back in time and learning about the past.
In terms of its entertainment, Relic Radio features eight free podcasts to please most tastes, while regularly updating its contents.
Whether you prefer old time radio drama, science fiction, or spooky horror, there’s always something fun to stream alongside chores or as a special holiday activity.
3. Vintage ROKiT Radio
Halloween and Christmas are perfect excuses to break out a classic show. It’s the novelty of the experience that sets it apart from modern entertainment.
So, being able to jump into some 1940s Jazz or a good old murder mystery is a treat, thanks to domains like Vintage ROKiT Radio. The service’s materials across several categories is updated weekly, so always expect to find something new.
Additionally, the best options today are not just free, but also available on mobile. Vintage ROKiT Radio, for example, offers a decent app for Android and iOS devices, so you can tune into its programs on the go.
4. InternetRadio
Sometimes the best options are the simplest. If you use a computer more than a smartphone and you just want a website that can play in the background while you work, InternetRadio is the kind of service you should look into.
It makes it easier than ever to indulge in your passion for classics and realize that you’re far from alone. InternetRadio brings in over 50 online radio stations and broadcasts their old time programs for hundreds of listeners.
5. Pumpkin FM
User-friendliness really is a major advantage of free online sources of old time radio. Since content like this isn’t easy to come by, their administrators do all the legwork and try to make navigating everything as straightforward as possible.
In the case of Pumpkin FM, just tune in from a browser or media player and choose any of its ongoing broadcasts. You could also check out its app, only available on Google Play.
Each distinct show contains a different schedule for each day of the week. They also run 24/7, so you can lose yourself in Pumpkin FM’s music and stories whenever you like.
6. The Internet Archive
If you prefer a database of programs, the Internet Archive is a good place to go. You can filter through its thousands of results by subject, collection, creator, and more.
When you go into a specific show, you can then choose to listen to it online, share it with like-minded friends, or even download it to enjoy offline.
Be careful, however, of copyright restrictions. Most of the programs, for example, demand appropriate credit when shared and don’t allow commercial use, whether the materials are edited or in their original form.
7. Old Time Radio Downloads
Here’s another option for free downloadable MP3 content. The handy tabs and lists make it just as simple to find the categories and programs you love on Old Time Radio Downloads.
Eventually, you just click through to a show’s dedicated page, featuring extensive historical details, a media player to listen to the file immediately, a download button, and a comment box to share your thoughts with other fans.
8. RUSC
Short for "R U Sitting Comfortably", this website is a passionate provider of all things related to classic radio entertainment. It’s been around since 1999, keeping its subscribers happy with online and downloadable content.
Its free options include over 30 shows, updated regularly. Just a few clicks and you can enjoy them online or in MP3 form.
RUSC also offers another 30 programs from the previous month. After providing your name and email, they’ll send you a link to download the files for free.
The hub’s full services come at the cost of $7.50 per month—a quarterly or annual subscription is even cheaper. Even if you don’t feel like spending anything, this is still a great platform to turn to for old time radio shows.
Keep Exploring Old Time Radio for Mobile Devices
Modern technology makes it possible to enjoy your hobbies anywhere and anytime. While all these sites are perfect for listening to old time radio online for free, constantly carrying your laptop around isn’t the best idea.
That’s where tablets and smartphones come in handy alongside their wide capabilities. You can make the most of mobile platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube in connection with classic entertainment.