Streaming Royalty Fees on Hold


        Radio on FacebookJoin us on Facebook

Washington - Jul 24, 2007 - The law requiring Internet radio broadcasters to pay increased royalties is being postponed indefinitely pending negotiations between Sound Exchange, representing record companies and artists, and the Digital Media Association (DiMA), representing webcasters.

The Copyright Royalty Board, part of the U.S. Library of Congress, set the fees, which technically went into effect July 15. Beginning in 2006, the new rate was 0.08 cents per listener, per song, with an annual $500 fee per channel, per station. In 2010, the rate will rise to 0.19 cents. Companies also owed retroactively from the beginning of 2006. In light of this, many small stations shut down, but they were still responsible for royalties owed since January 2007.

In the ongoing talks, Sound Exchange is offering a $500 minimum/$50,000 maximum annual fee to webcasters who must report everything they play and adopt technology to prohibit users from streamripping. This compromise would only be available to smaller radio operators, as Sound Exchange Executive Director John Simson said, "We expect commercial webcasters like Yahoo and AOL to pay the new royalty rates set by the CRB." DiMA on the other hand is lobbying for the Internet Radio Equality Act, which sets the rate on a percentage of revenue, such as those paid by satellite radio stations.



Acceptable Use Policy
blog comments powered by Disqus


Podcast Archives

Radio Currents Podcast, Jul 9

The FCC allows AMs to use FM translators, several groups partner to launch SAFER, Nautel opens a UK parts depot, and Reader Feedback inquires about your communication skills.

Radio Mag Online Podcast, Jul 2009

Radio magazine Editor Chriss Scherer talks to David Bialik, Broadcast and Streaming Session Chairman of the 127th AES Convention.

Forum

The Radio magazine Forum

Pose a question, discuss an idea. This is your forum.

Blog

Talkback: The Radio Blog

Talkback, the Radio magazine blog, is your chance to post and comment on technical issues in radio.

Projects in Progress

Projects in Progress tracks facility installation projects from start to finish. Follow the progress of the WUVT-FM transmitter site upgrade.

Today in Radio History

Milestones From Radio's Past

The history of radio broadcasting extends beyond the work of a few famous inventors.

Webinars

Critical Aspects of Tower Site Safety

Learn the steps you can take to ensure a safe working environment at a tower site.

Radio magazine cover

Current Issue

HD Radio Power Increase

Waiting for the dust to settle before committing to an HD Radio transmission system? This should help.

Browse Back Issues

Surprise!