How to Listen to Between The Lines (BTL) Radio

Updated

You can listen to Between The Lines (BTL) in three main ways: through a local or international broadcast station, by subscribing to the podcast or RSS feed, or by downloading broadcast-quality MP3s. The right option depends on whether you want live radio, on-demand audio, or files for rebroadcast. BTL is a weekly public affairs radio program produced by Squeaky Wheel Productions and has been on the air since 1991.

Listen via Broadcast Radio

The site maintains separate schedules for different regions and distribution methods:

  • United States Broadcast Schedules — local stations airing the program in the U.S.
  • Satellite and Radio Networks Broadcast Schedules — network and satellite distribution.
  • International Broadcast Schedules — stations outside the U.S.
  • For Radio Stations — current broadcast-quality MP3 and information for affiliates.

If you prefer live or scheduled listening, start with the schedule for your region and check the station's own listing, since airtimes are set by each affiliate.

Listen On Demand: Podcast and RSS

For on-demand listening, BTL offers two subscription routes:

  • Subscribe to our Podcast — the program is distributed as a podcast.
  • Podcasts RSS — an RSS feed is listed in the site's navigation for feed readers and podcast apps.

Subscribing means new episodes arrive automatically, which is the simplest option if you don't want to check the site each week.

Download Broadcast-Quality Audio

The site provides Current Broadcast Quality MP3 files and an Audio Archive organized by year:

  • Current Year Audio Archive
  • Previous Years' Audio Archives

This route suits listeners who want to download episodes, catch up on past programs, or access material for rebroadcast. Affiliates should use the "For Radio Stations" and "Information for Affiliates" sections rather than the general archive.

What You'll Find Alongside the Audio

Each program page lists the episode date and segment lineup. A recent example shows the format:

Segment Guest
White House bans three media outlets Victor Pickard, media policy professor, University of Pennsylvania
Presidential powers and mental instability Dr. Bandy Lee
NSA restructuring plan Thomas Drake
Under-reported news summary Bob Nixon

The site also carries Web Features and Special Reports, Progressive Resources, and event announcements — for example, a New Haven, CT event marking 35 years on the air.

Common Questions

Is listening free? The site shows a "Subscribe" option and donation requests ("Please Donate Now," "Support BTL"), but the available page evidence does not state whether podcast or archive access requires payment or login. Check the subscription page directly before assuming either way.

Where do I start if I just want this week's show? Use the podcast subscription or the Current Year Audio Archive; both are linked from the main navigation.

I run a station — what do I need? Go to "For Radio Stations" for broadcast-quality MP3s and affiliate information, and use the satellite/network schedules to confirm carriage.