Hi all, As many of you may be aware, the Internet Radio globosphere is under threat of global meltdown by the proposed US "Internet Radio Equality Act" which threatens to treble the charges for playing songs over the internet, making the broadcasting of music financially unviable. I'm sure I'm not the only one on the planet who is a bit miffed at this situation, and as Pandora have effectively shut down for the day, we have put up a link to the cached copy for you all to get round Pandora's shutdown, and hopefully those meddling politicians can realise that what they are doing is not in the public's interest. Pandora
As far as I know, US laws still start and end in the USA. Does this also affect 'real world' broadcasters that provide a stream? I listen to WBAI (99.5 NY) regularly and haven't heard anything about this.
It is unfortunately true. I listen to Beethovan Radio and it warns about the imminant closure should the changes go ahead. It doesn't make much sense at all, but what does in politics. Those in the US may be able to make a difference by contacting their local Congressman. More info at http://www.savenetradio.org/index.html
Currently yes. However with RIAA and US "free trade" agreements with other countries, it may spread to those countries as well in some form. More a conjecture on my part, but it is plausible.
Let's hope the majority kick up a stink instead of broadcasting silence. So what can the rest of us (non US) do?