Next month internet radio stations will have to begin paying new royalty rates that will be high enough in some cases to put the webcasters out of business. Of course, the implementation date has been pushed back a few times, and Congress is considering legislation that could help out the internet radio stations.But advocates for independent radio are making their voices heard -- by shutting off their mics. On June 26th, a number of online radio stations, including Live365, AccuRadio, KCRW.com, and Radio Paradise are participating in a day of silence.
There's always a risk associated in this sort of silent protest. On the one hand, you're showing what the world will be like if internet radio is shut down (at least in the US). On the other, what if an internet station goes silent and no one's around to not hear it? Does it not make a sound?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-21-2007 @ 10:20PM
iamhoff said...
There's unfortunately another consideration at work...corporate IT nazis who lock out any sites that offer streaming anything. My old job I listened to AccuRadio, WMVY (alt folk on Martha's Vineyard) and KSBR (jazz from So Cal). My new job they've blocked all the usual sites (Last FM, etc.) and if they catch somebody streaming anything, they track it and block it. I wonder how much of a problem this is becoming for the internet radio providers.
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6-22-2007 @ 8:24AM
DboG said...
On our station, Creamy Radio, we've configured a "firewall friendly" feed that uses a port typically left open on most firewalls. A dogged IT guy will find a way to impose his will, but we try to do as much as we can to facilitate listening.
Creamy Radio will be participating in the Day of Silence, and we hope all our listeners take the time to contact their legislators to demand fair royalties for our industry. Make your voice heard!
Internet radio has provided an amazing diversity of music and created unprecedented opportunities for both artists and listeners.
http://www.creamyradio.com
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6-22-2007 @ 12:32PM
Victor Agreda, Jr. said...
I really wish more heavy-hitters would join this. When your mainstream receptionist crowd no longer hears streaming radio, then you'll see some traction on this...
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