On Tuesday several online radio stations protested proposed royalty rate changes by the Copyright Royalty Board that could spell the end of the industry. The rates are expected due to become effective July 15th. Worst yet, the new rates will be retroactive to January 1, 2006.

Yahoo Music’s Ian C. Rogers wrote “… the new royalty rates are higher than the revenues anyone can hope to make from related advertising. In other words, we all lose money on Internet radio starting July 15th. Yahoo! has no intention of operating LAUNCHcast radio as a loss-leader. This senseless rate hike needs to be changed, or our business will have to.”

Several other webcasters have voiced similar opinions.  If the proposed rates are not changed, free Internet radio may become a thing of the past.

MP3Musicgrams, a free MP3 music promotion site for indie artists and labels has expanded its current line of services to include news and press release submissions for artists, labels and music industry sites. Additionally the site recently added the ability for music fans to buy the CD’s of artists submitting their MP3’s.

MP3Musicgrams currently offer artists, bands and labels in all musical genres from blues to rock, rap or country, an opportunity to upload their song, photo or image, band or artist description and a link to their web site.

The Radio Free Ithaca playlist is from Ithaca’s thriving original music scene, with diverse blends of various American and world styles. New music is arriving regularly, including studio work (new and old) and live tracks.

Radio Free Ithaca is now available through Live365 Internet Radio. Live365 Internet Radio currently offers radio stations spanning over 20 genres including Independent music stations as well as music talk radio stations.

With Live365 Internet Radio you can now listen to over 1000 radio stations online absolutely free.

They currently offer radio stations spanning over 20 genres including Independent music stations as well as music talk radio stations.

One of the best things I found was the large number of International stations they offer. It allows you listen to what’s new and trendy in music from nations around the world. Try it yourself and see if you get hooked like I did.