So along comes internet radio as an option for listening. At first, my comrades in commercial radio smirked when the subject of internet radio came up. 'Who cares?' Well, the landscape has changed (LOTS of people listen now) and any observer of the way stations were going knew it would come to this.

If there was no significant amount of traffic coming to internet radio stations, the Copyright Royalty Board would not be coming after them as an additional revenue stream.

Technically speaking, artists who perform music are due royalties for their work. That being the case, the CRB should work out fees with all of the file sharing companies more so than zeroing in on internet stations.
That's where the dollar drain is funneling for the record companies and the writers of hit songs.

Ultimate Oldies Radio's playlist is at least 50% comprised of songs that NO commercial station plays any more. Listen to our on-demand shows on any given week and you'll hear top 40 songs that today's oldies PD's aren't familiar with. We actually promote these older artists and much of their underplayed (or not at all played) material. We are an outlet for people to come to and hear these songs. I would imagine we've sold a few records for these artists as well by promoting their back catalog of hits.

Thus, many internet stations are actually keeping the older music alive and exposing new music to thousands of folks who are weary of commercial radio's continually baffling self-destructive determination in deciding to play the same tired titles and calling it good radio.

Look, I came into radio in 1977 and some 30 years later I STILL love the business. If I had an opportunity to go back on commercial radio again, I would take it...IF it were radio programmed from the 'gut' with a full-service emphasis toward the community. I think about 1,000 ex-jocks out there would agree with me.

I know I'm digressing a bit from the 'royalty' issue, but maybe it all ties in somehow.

Commercial radio has the opportunity to do things that satellite radio can't do, that internet radio can't do, that TV can't do. Yet, as long as the researchers continue to run the industry...the prognosis remains grim.

If radio had never gotten away from the fundamentals that made it work for its first 60 years, we probably wouldn't be having this thread here on the forum.

• RE: Copyright Royalty Board - John 03/11/2007 13:10:27 EDT (0)