The long relationship between the music industry and the radio industry has been based on the knowledge that radio's ability to give exposure to artists was very beneficial to the music industry. The exposure to a larger fan base led to greater album and single sales as well as greater concert attendance and a host of other ancillary revenues. So much so, in fact, that the two industries have gotten into trouble with the law over labels and promoters paying to get more airplay. While the music industry benefits, so does radio by getting programming in the form of songs and using fans' relationships with artists to build relationships between stations and listeners.

What does this basic radio concept have to do with the internet? There are two things that are internet related here. First, the internet allows stations to let listeners get closer to artists and strengthen their brand in the process. Second, with the rise of affiliate programs, radio stations can now get a piece of the revenue generated by music sales - allowing radio to benefit from both sides of the equation.