KCUR 89.3 FM Listen Live

Thousands of people listen to KCUR's live streaming and on-demand archived audio every day. Here's a guide to getting the most from KCUR's online audio.

What audio is available on KCUR.org?

KCUR.org offers live streaming as well as archives of our broadcast programming. Most of the time our live streams simulcast our FM broadcast transmissions, although occasionally we do not have internet broadcast rights to a program and must present alternative programming.

Our online audio archives allow listeners to replay, at their convenience, many KCUR programs after the original air date. While comprehensive, not every program aired on KCUR is available for archive listening. Only programs aired after January 2005 are archived. Archives of the programs not produced by KCUR can be found through the link to their websites provided on our Schedule page, and National Public Radio news programs are archived on NPR.org.

Walt Bodine Show Audio Archives
Up to Date Audio Archives
KC Currents Audio Archives

The Fish Fry Audio Archives
Night Tides Audio Archives

What do I need in order to listen to KCUR's live stream?

KCUR offers our live streams in three formats: Windows Media, Real Audio and MP3. In addition to a computer with a sound card and speakers or headphones, you need a connection to the internet (dial-up modem, DSL, cable modem or local area network) and audio player software.

To listen to our MP3 stream, you need one of the many audio players that can play MP3 format streams. Based on our experience, KCUR recommends the latest free version of Apple's iTunes for both Windows and Macintosh users. You may also use Real Player or WinAmp.

I have the KCUR stream bookmarked on my desktop. Why isn't the live stream launching anymore?

If changes are made to our stream, your bookmarks may be affected. To update your bookmark, go to the KCUR homepage and re-save the audio stream as a desktop shortcut.

When I listen to a live stream, the sound cuts out. Why?

There are a few explanations for why this may occur.

Your internet connection may be too slow for the stream you are trying to listen to especially if you try to listen while doing something else on the internet at the same time.
There may be temporary problems on the internet somewhere between our audio servers and your computer.
There may be a problem with your computer hardware or software. If the problem persists, email KCUR tech support.

When attempting to listen to an audio stream with Windows Media Player, the audio continuously skips (like a CD player), cuts out momentarily or buffers endlessly.

Users with dial-up (telephone) internet connections are sometimes helped by increasing the "Buffer" setting on Windows Media Player. Under the "Tools" menu, select "Options" and then click the "Performance" tab. Change the "Network Buffering" setting from "Default" to 10 seconds (it can be adjusted upward to 60 seconds, though this is rarely necessary). This will permit Windows Media Player to store more audio locally so the stream can continue playing if your internet connection is briefly interrupted. Be aware, the longer the buffer time, the longer it takes for streaming content to begin playing.

When I click on the Windows "Listen Live" link, the browser asks me if I want to download KCUR.asx. What should I do?

The ".asx" file is a link that tells Windows Media Player how to connect to our stream, you should not need to download it. Make sure you have the latest version of Windows Media Player (the current version is 9.00). Check your version by opening your Windows Media Player and selecting "About Windows Media Player" under the Help menu. Sometimes, especially after you install new internet browser software, it is necessary to reinstall Windows Media Player.

Why is it that when listening to the shows online the voices sound robot-like and/or tinny?

In order to broadcast audio over the Internet, sound must be compressed so it can be efficiently transmitted to the greatest number of users. Also, the speakers or headphone you use to listen to our internet broadcasts affect what you hear. We have made improvements to the quality of our audio streams and will continue to do so in the future as the technology continues to improve. For a higher quality listening experience, try our broadband mp3 stream!

Recommended players

KCUR recommends the latest free versions of the following players:

Podcasting Questions

Visit our podcasting page

I have another question or a comment.

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