Keep All forms of Culture Spreading Free

Yes to Pandora.com! Wow I like this concept. I typed in my favorite artist and wola it started to play. My own radio station - WOW. Website is cool too. I don't want proposed royalty in voted in, Pandora to go out of business or charge for listening.

I just told my parents about pandora.com station. They seem to like the idea of adding Frank Sinatra and hearing song by him and others. We will see if they join in support of the "save internet radio' campaign.

Sounds like NPR may be the first to take action against the recent massive increases in the royalties Internet radio stations are obligated to pay to performers of the music they play. The following statement is from National Public Radio's communication VP Andi Sporkin, and the key sentences outlining action, a petition for reconsideration: “This is a stunning, damaging decision for public radio and its commitment to music discovery and education, which has been part of our tradition for more than half a century. Public radio’s agreements on royalties with all such organizations, including the RIAA, have always taken into account our public service mission and non-profit status. These new rates, at least 20 times more than what stations have paid in the past, treat us as if we were commercial radio – although by its nature, public radio cannot increase revenue from more listeners or more content, the factors that set this new rate. Also, we are being required to pay an internet royalty fee that is vastly more expensive than what we pay for over-the-air use of music, although for a fraction of the over-the-air audience. “This decision penalizes public radio stations for fulfilling their mandate, it penalizes emerging and non-mainstream musical artists who have always relied on public radio for visibility and ultimately it penalizes the American public, whose local station memberships and taxes will be necessary to cover the millions of dollars that will now be required as payment. On behalf of the public radio system, NPR will pursue all possible action to reverse this decision, which threatens to severely reduce local stations’ public service and limit the reach of the entire music community. NPR will begin on Friday, March 16 by filing a petition for reconsideration with the CRB panel, the first step in this process. We ask that the online royalties be returned to their historic arrangement and that public radio can continue to provide its vital service to music discovery.”

Itunes also has a TON of radio station, easily searchable and FREE. I recently introduced my father to internet radio, and so far he's totally impressed with the broad selection of music that is at his disposal.

I listen to internt raido as well. It would be a shame if they started charging for it.

Internet radio has reconnected me to music. I have found new artist through Pandora and have gone on to buy music. This new royalty hike is doing the opposite of what they hope to gain! how dumb can they get.

The entrenched powers in the music industry just don't get it. Internet Radio is advertising for them. Lot's of it. The more they let it grow, and feed it, the more music will be sold. Terrestrial and satellite radio business models are built on advertising revenues. High margins. Internet radio is built on product sales - CDs (for now) and music downloads - low margins to the radio station. The Internet Radio model will likely NEVER be able to support the ridiculous fees imposed on it by the recent CRB ruling.

I've been using Pandora for a couple of years and launch.yahoo before that. I would hate to see this good thing go away.