An improved radio and cooler incorporates a radio receiver unit into an indentation in the front wall of a four-walled, portable insulated cooler or ice chest. A separate recharageable battery pack, connected by wires to the radio receiver unit, is integrated into the rear side of the lid of the cooler, on the opposite side of the cooler's center of gravity from the radio receiver unit, and thus acts as a counterbalance to the radio and improves the overall balance of the cooler. In addition, the radio's antenna is similarly positioned opposite the center of gravity from the radio receiver unit, on the upper rear side of the cooler lid, further enhancing the counterbalancing effect.