My choices online are often smaller independent/public terrestrial and a few online only stations who's unique formats are no longer/never have been heard in Puget Sound because it doesn't copycat other formats already here the radio honchos around here think are "successful" What? So they invent the wheel all over again and then they wonder WHY everyone keeps tuning out?
SOME of my favorites:
1. WCPT Chicago (Progressive Talk)
http://www.wcpt820.com/
2. NWCZ Radio (Local Rock)
http://nwczradio.com/
3. WFMU East Orange (Freeform)
http://wfmu.org/
4. Triple J (Alternative)
http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/
5. BBC Radio 4 and 6 (4 is variety and documentary, 6 is AAA)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
6. KBOO Portland (Freeform)
http://www.kboo.fm
7. Shonan Beach 78.9 (Smooth Jazz/EZ)
http://www.beachfm.co.jp/
Plus I can listen to anything I want at random. Pick a country, find a station and sample it. Or download some kickass podcasts and play them in succession. There's no limits to the creative possibilities on the other end too.