SaveNetRadio Continues CPR

As I mentioned previously, internet radio stations are in trouble with a copyright royalties scheme that could cause their business models to crumble. While the action of SaveNetRadio has allowed for a partial reprieve, this should be ringing a few bells at internet governance levels as well.

From the Wired article, Net Radio Wins Partial Reprieve as Royalties Loom:

A coalition of webcasters have worked out a deal with the recording industry that could temporarily stave off a portion of crippling net radio royalties set to take effect Sunday, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

The deal is not final but creates a window for webcasters to continue broadcasting while a more lasting solution is sought. Webcasters have said the fees would effectively force many services that personalize individual channels for listeners to close shop by the end of the weekend.

For now, the parties involved in what's described as ongoing negotiations have agreed to waive at least temporarily the minimum charge of $6,000 per channel required under a scheme created by the Copyright Royalty Board, or CRB.

The deal, brokered late Thursday, is not final and could change. One person involved in the talks described the situation as a reprieve, and said that "internet radio won't be saved until a workable royalty rate is set."...

read more