UK radio stations could be forced to quit streaming

A major shift in the way Internet radio works for UK stations is approaching, as the existing Commercial Radio Association (CRCA) and licensing body (PPL) agreements terminate.

After 31st March 2006 the PPL will not renew stations' licenses unless they adhere to new guidelines for UK Geo-Locking. This means hundreds of UK radio stations could either face losing their licence or being forced to pay spiraling costs.

All current PPL licenses which cover analogue and simulcast streaming will be bundled together, and they all have to adhere to the new UK-only regulations.

Ian James, Director of Emerging Channels at Chrysalis Radio states "This is a fundamental change in the way UK Radio stations can work for overseas listeners. Control of access by geographic regions is now an essential part of online radio delivery".

Chrysalis Group's radio streaming is provided by Interoute, who are currently adding UK only Geo-Locking to the radio groups’ live streams. Interoute provide a complete Online Radio solution with their "Media Live Stream" platform.

Victoria Cooper from CRCA explains: "Those (UK Radio Stations) who do not wish to pay to be heard outside the UK will need to put measures in place to ensure that their Internet streams cannot be accessed by overseas listeners."

Source: Media Network

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