UF station resumes Internet broadcasting for now

July 17, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — WUFT-FM has resumed streaming its air signal over the Internet, but it is conditional because of proposed changes in how radio stations pay royalties.

WUFT, along with other public radio stations, has been part of agreements with the organization that represents the music recording industry, R.I.A.A, and its agent for collecting royalties from radio stations, Sound Exchange. Recently, these two groups persuaded the board that oversees copyright matters to significantly increase the royalties paid for Internet presentation of music, and change how radio stations report their Internet listenership. The proposed new reporting requirements are extremely difficult for WUFT-FM and many other stations to meet. Several stations, along with representative groups, have pending litigation in the courts over these changes, and Congress is considering action. As a result, the requirements for stations streaming music over the Internet are unclear and muddled. This resulted in UF’s station temporarily suspending Internet transmission of its air signal.

However, there are ongoing negotiations between National Public Radio, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Sound Exchange, but these talks are confidential. As of Monday, July 16, WUFT was assured by NPR and Sound Exchange that stations can continue current music streaming operations for the next three months as good-faith conversations unfold. Accordingly, WUFT-FM resumed streaming, at least for the time being, and will continue so long as it is possible to do so.