As more people gain access to high-speed internet connections, they are downloading more music on their computers. Now big technology companies are fighting with music licensing associations over royalty payments for artists. A solution may be found through compromise and new technology.
Musicians, songwriters and record labels want to be paid for the use of their music on the internet. They are now reimbursed for radio broadcasts, but not for internet feeds originating in the U.S..
In late February, the U.S. copyright office released the recommendations of an arbitration panel after hearing from webcasters and music-rights holders on how royalties should be collected.
The most contentious issue is a proposal to retroactively collect fees back to 1998 for both radio stations that stream programs over the Internet and Internet-only streaming music services. Under the proposed terms many services of both types could be charged a minimum $500 per year license fee. Impending internet music fees were discussed at the recent convention of the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas.