Radio stations have been a source of music, news, and entertainment in our lives for many years. Radio has moved online as a result of the development of the internet, making it more widely available than ever. With all this convenience, though, some concerns surface. Are radio stations aware of station changes? Who uploaded radio on the web? Are music plays on radio stations compensated? When their songs are played on the radio, do musicians receive paid? Can any song be played on radio stations?
In response to the first query, radio broadcasters are unable to determine when you switch stations. They are limited to counting the listeners that are currently listening in and out of their station. Ratings organizations like Nielsen, which monitor radio listening patterns with specific equipment, gather this data. Radio stations therefore are only able to track the total number of listeners to their station at any given time.
Moving on to the second query, RealNetworks, a firm, was the first to introduce radio over the internet in the 1990s. RealNetworks developed a program called RealAudio that allowed users to access online live audio feeds. Radio stations quickly embraced this technology, and soon internet radio was a well-liked method of listening to the radio.
In response to the third query, radio stations do receive indirect payment for playing music. Instead, performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI pay them fees. These businesses gather radio station royalties and give them to the songwriters and publishers.
The answer to the fourth query is also yes. Again, not directly, although artists do get paid when their songs are played on the radio. The PROs distribute the royalties they have received from radio stations to the songwriters and publishers. The amount given to each artist is based on things like how well-liked and frequently played their songs are.
Lastly, radio stations are not allowed to play any song they like. To play the songs they air, they must own the relevant permits. The PROs, who gather royalties on behalf of the songwriters and publishers, are how these licenses are acquired.
Radio broadcasters can only keep track of how many people tune in and out of their station; they cannot track specific listeners. RealNetworks was the company that first popularized internet radio in the 1990s. Although not directly, radio stations do be paid to play music. Instead, performing rights groups pay them royalties. Again, not directly, although artists do get paid when their songs are played on the radio. In order to play the songs they air, radio stations must hold the appropriate licenses.