UPDATE: Status of Internet Radio

Today is July 15th, and thanks to the decision by the Copyright Royalty Board to increase rates for streaming music online, it could be the day the music dies for many independent web-casters. Here's the email I received from XPN.

Dear Indy Music Lover,

Thank you for signing our online petition in support of the Internet Radio Equality Act. You joined over 11,000 others in telling our Representatives in Washington how strongly the XPN community feels on this issue. We gave the petition to Senator Specter’s office, and while he has expressed sympathy for our concerns, he has yet to commit to supporting the bill.

The current situation is less than encouraging. Our request in court for a stay of the July 15 roll-out date for the new royalty rates (retroactive for 18 months) has been denied. It is highly unlikely that Congress will move on this legislation in the near future. The consensus on the Hill is that this should be resolved through negotiations.

Talks have yet to be productive. They will continue right through the deadline. I’m still somewhat optimistic that we can find common ground that is in the best interest of both artist and audience. We do not plan any changes in our internet music streaming until we have exhausted all alternatives. I will update you when there is any news.

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Keep the faith!
Roger LaMay
General Manager

Let's hope that some compromise can be reached and that web-listeners will continue to have great stations like XPN available to them online.