It seems Internet radio has gotten a midnight reprieve. Less than two weeks before new, higher royalty rates were set to go into effect on May 15, the Copyright Royalty Board announced it would push back the start day for the new rates until July 15. Many webcasters have complained the new rates are so high they will be forced off the air.

FMC applauds the move because it will give webcasters a chance to negotiate a lower royalty rate that will allow them to remain on the air, while paying artists a fair royalty rate. Webcasters are an important outlet for genres of music and artists that don’t normally get played on radio. The CRB should recognize the current one-size fits all royalty system doesn’t work. read more