It’s Quiet in Internet Radioland Today

Today, many internet webcasters are observing a day of silence to alert and remind listeners of the impact that the new copyright royalties will have on the webcasting industry if the proposed royalty rates go into effect July 15th.

I listen to internet radio all day long, at work and at home, and today is a reminder to me that what I take for granted now may not be there tomorrow. Internet radio is one of the few bright spots in the music industry currently, and that webcasters serve up eclectic and interesting tunes that you would never here on celestial or satellite radio. Internet radio serves a valuable role in promoting lesser known artists. The future of the music industry lies in discovery as people search further down the long tail to find the niche they want to listen too. Internet radio helps them find that niche.

But it could all be going away. Currently, webcasters pay royalties by sharing advertising revenue with the artists and labels. The proposed changes would require them to pay royalties on a per song per listener basis. There are many listener supported webcasters who simply couldn’t afford it.

Some of my favorite stations that I won’t be listening to today are: KCRW, Pandora, & Radio Paradise. Interestingly, since Last.fm has recently been purchased by CBS, they are choosing not to observe the day of silence. I was an early adopter and loved Last.fm but this new corporate stance ends my relationship with them. Last.fm, you’re off my playlist.

Hope everyone enjoys the quiet day in internet radioland. If you don’t want this to become the permanent situation and want to do something to save internet radio, go here.