John at myITforum.com

Do you use internet radio?

From previous blog posts, you know I’m a big fan of web sites like http://www.pandora.com for listening to some great music FREE.  There is nothing that passes the time while you’re working (other than certain OT email lists) than listening to some great tunes in the process.

Anyway, I received an email today from the founder of Pandora, Tim Westergren, related to a new decision by the Copyright Royalty Board in Washington, DC to almost triple the licensing fees for Internet radio sites like Pandora.  The new royalty rates are irrationally high, more than four times what satellite radio pays, and broadcast radio doesn't pay these at all.  Left unchanged, these new royalties will kill every Internet radio site, including Pandora.

In response to this, SaveNetRadio Coalition has been formed to try and convince Washington (I know, a tough task) to save Internet Radio (the wave of the future).  I know we’re all busy, but if you are listener or broadcaster (or just don’t want the internet to be abused) of internet radio, now is the time to let someone know you don’t want it turned off.

For those musicians out there that may be for this, please be aware sites like Pandora have sponsors to the site and they do pay royalties for the music played, and have since the beginning.  Raising licensing fees ONLY for internet radio is not the answer.