23 Aug
Royalty Fees threaten diversity and expression
By C N, Philadelphia, PA
In 2000, SoundExchange became an unincorporated, non-profit organization working with the Recording Industry Association of America to find compensation in the form of royalty fees, for artists whose work get play on internet radio. The proposed expansion in royalty fees to satellite and internet radio threaten to extinct the small but dedicated and appreciated streams with exorbitant fees. Along with those providers, royalty fees threaten the diverse and exploratory nature of sharing music online. If fee increases and licenses become a reality, a handful of wealthy licensees may make internet radio synonymous with commercial radio.