The Public Radio 2.0 iPhone app fulfills all the goals of the Broadcasting Act of 1928, which mandated that broadcasters operate in “the public interest, convenience and necessity.” It is also a really good time.
With access to 300 streaming public radio stations, Public Radio 2.0 provides all the public interest you could want as well as the convenience of past shows on demand. Finally, it serves a public necessity (if you happen to find HD necessary).
Program descriptions are good, and they organize by state, GPS location, program and theme. The more you drill down, the more information you get, which makes browsing a profitable experience.
There is plenty of variety in the “On Demand” section, with six shows on the economy, four devoted to folk music, and even a space category with a program from 1997. You will not run out of offerings.
Simplicity is a virtue with Public Radio 2.0. It is all in text, and there is no contrived integration of video, related links or images. This new version also gives you program schedules, improved streaming, and a somewhat improved architecture.
It is honest. If it has no information, it says so.
Public Radio 2.0 is a turn on, carrying the advantage that is something you can also turn off.
