ByteFM is a German-speaking internet radio station based in Hamburg with an additional editorial office in Berlin-Mitte. Founded by music journalist Ruben Jonas Schnell, ByteFM began operations on January 11, 2008, and has since established itself as a unique "author radio".
ByteFM is characterized by music journalistic contributions from about 100 authors, many of whom come from the environment of public broadcasting institutions or work as freelance music journalists for renowned media such as Jazz thing, taz, Art, or Le Monde diplomatique. Notable moderators include Klaus Fiehe, Volker Rebell, Frank Spilker, and many more, who enrich the program with their own shows.
The program of ByteFM includes a wide range of music styles, including Indie, Techno, Pop, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Electronics, Synth-Pop, Jazz, and HipHop. It offers moderated shows, recordings of live concerts, and exclusive mixes from local and international DJs. Special highlights include shows like "The Good Nightz", "HipHop History", and "808 – the Rap Show", which provide in-depth insights into various music genres and eras[2][4].
ByteFM defines itself as a music-related author radio that presents everything important in modern pop music. The station forgoes computer-generated music rotation and values the personal touch and expertise of its authors. ByteFM's mission is to provide a platform for high-quality music reporting and presentation that is free from advertising and funded by the support association "Freunde von ByteFM e. V."[4].
ByteFM is committed to a sustainable and independent media landscape through its volunteer work and support from the association. The station has received numerous awards, including the Grimme Online Award, the Hamburg Music Prize HANS, and the Media Award LeadAward. These recognitions underscore ByteFM's commitment to high-quality music journalism[4].
ByteFM is available both online and terrestrially in Hamburg and Berlin. In Hamburg, the station broadcasts all day on frequencies 104.0 MHz and 91.7 MHz, while in Berlin, the program is available 24 hours a day on Digital Radio DAB+ on channel 7B. Additionally, there is a weekly show on the French radio station Euradionantes in Nantes[4].
ByteFM is more than just a radio station – it is a community of music lovers and experts dedicated to the communication and celebration of music in all its facets. With its diverse and ad-free program, ByteFM offers a unique platform for music enthusiasts and continuously advocates for the promotion of music journalism and cultural diversity.
