14 DAY TRIAL // Skinners has released a cool TV and Radio streaming app for Max OS X simply called Livestation. The application is free to download and install on your Intel-based Mac. As soon as you've fired it up, just create an account (e-mail address required) and you're good to go.
The Livestation player can receive a range of live radio and television broadcasts over a wired or wireless broadband connection. Not only that, but the Mac version of the app is "extra stylish, mac centric, and totally awesome," according to Skinners, plus "it doesn't need Silverlight either". What it does require is an Intel Mac running OS X Tiger or Leopard, a broadband connection with a minimum 800Kbps download speed and, if you live in the UK, you will need a full TV license to legally watch TV on your computer.
The application also sports a chat feature. Simply hit the chat bar, assign yourself a nickname and enter the chat room to meet other Livestation viewers and discuss... Obama's latest speech on America's dependence on oil from abroad, if you will. Use the search tab to search for new channels.
Note: you should only install and use this version of the Livestation player if you are comfortable using pre-release / beta versions of a piece of software. This is more of a trial version of Livestation. It initially provides television and radio services from a limited number of international news broadcasters for testing purposes. According to the makers, additional channels will be available in the future.
Also note that while you are viewing or listening to a channel, some amount of the stream may be shared with other users of Livestation Video. This consumes a significant amount of network capacity over time. Using Livestation may transfer more than 200MB per hour. This could quickly exceed the limits on usage set by some broadband service providers so you should ensure that your network provider is able to support this level of sustained usage. Reception of these services may also require a television or radio license in some countries. You should ensure you're not using these services without a license.