In the ongoing saga of net broadcasting fee increases, we have more to report on the front of the per channel charges. If you have been following the news you would know that SoundExchange was to instigate a $500 per channel minimum fee which in turn would put the big names out of action due to some having hundreds of channels available. In regards to this the Digital Media Association and SoundExchange have established a $50,000 per service cap on the $500 minimum royalty.

√¢¬Ä¬úWe are encouraged by today√¢¬Ä¬ôs announcement,√¢¬Ä� Jake Ward, a spokesperson for the SaveNetRadio coalition said. √¢¬Ä¬úThis agreement is a clear sign of progress in the ongoing negotiations between web casters and SoundExchange and a very good first step toward a viable solution, but it is just the beginning. As the negotiation of recording royalty rates and terms continues, SaveNetRadio urges everyone involved to work in good faith toward a resolution.√¢¬Ä�

This however still fails to address the biggest concern of the coalition which is the per song royalty rates which are still to be finalized. In another piece of related news, SoundExchange has offered to provide smaller broadcasters with a total revenue of less than $1.2mil per year a discounted rate which would be valid until 2010. Most smaller stations have decided to since decline this offer in an attempt to get better fees through congress.

Sources: SaveNetRadio & Wired