Bad news for internet radio

As you may have heard, the Copyright Royalty Board approved a new royalty rate structure on Friday that will likely put most Internet radio stations out of business. They basically rubber-stamped the proposal put forth by SoundExchange (the digital music fee collection body created by the RIAA).The outrageous rates are so high, that even mid to large size stations would have an impossible time paying them. I'm not sure how long I will keep The Guitar Channel stream running in light of these new developments. There's no way I will even attempt to pay these new fees. And I certainly don't want to put myself in an actionable position by just coasting along and hoping no one notices. I think the days of The Guitar Channel stream are numbered folks. This website itself isn't going anywhere, but I may have to shut down the stream. I'll keep you updated. Meanwhile, here are some links with more info on the CRB ruling, and what you can do to make your voice heard.

Radio And Internet Newsletter
Broadcast Law Blog
Ars Technica
Save Our Internet Radio

Rich

Comments

[Bloghead]

I think that's a shame. I love the Internet Radio as an escape from structured and controled radio station. Where's the freedom in that? Where's the freedom and creativity?

The days of the Wild Wild Internet are numbered. Not just the Internet Radio world.

By the way, I like your blog. I play some guitar (mostly bedroom noise music? Heh) So a pretty cool blog to blogmark.

Be cool.

[Rich]

Thanks!

[Bill Palmer]

Hi Rich. I am new to your site, I've only been here and using your fusion guitar web-streaming for about 10 days. I love your site btw and your web-radio is fantastic, your line-up of artists is diverse as well as featuring the well known players.

This is a REAL BLOODY SHAME mate but like the previous comment suggested I think in years to come we will see heightened clamp downs on all things internet, the powers that be dislike freedom you see and any way they can institute control is a win for them. It's just the sad truth unfortunately. Perhaps like commercial radio stations internet radio will be owned by major labels and corporations? Time will tell I guess. Any ideas how much longer you'll keep running your web-radio?
Cheers

Bill

[Rich]

I really don't know how long I'll keep it going. I believe there were some hearings in Congress over this recently. Maybe the proposed rate structure will be changed. Let's hope so.

[Laurie Monk]

Trying to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. How else do they think people are going to get to hear new music...

[Tom Harper]

Today, internet radio. Tomorrow, all bloggers with politically incorrect or "subversive" opinions. This really sucks. I'm listening to your station right now as I write this. I'm really pissed about this, for me and for you.

There has to be a listening alternative somewhere where people can listen to something other than Britney and the Back Street Boys and all the rest of that schlock that passes for "music." Keep up the good work (for as long as you can)...

[Tom Harper]

It's me again. Here are two online petitions to save Internet Radio:

http://www.petitiononline.com/SIR2007r/petition.html

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveinternetradio/

Hope this will make a difference.

[Stratoblogster]

Pandora.com is my favorite. Wonder how this affects them??