I've got a fairly lengthy article in the current issue of Gambit Weekly examining the state of Internet radio, the future of home broadcasting, and the implications for Louisiana music (which isn't represented on either terrestrial or satellite radio).
The outlook for Internet radio? Not good, according to most of the people to whom I spoke. Many of the regulations implemented by the U.S. Congress purport to compensate musicians, but it's pretty clear to me that the ultimate goal is to stifle competition in the marketplace. Internet radio broadcasters have yet to come up with a way to sustain themselves, but the traditional radio industry and the record companies seem determined to keep that from happening.
Meanwhile, if you like commercial-free Louisiana music, I recommend tuning in to Home of the Groove, New Orleans Jukebox Gold, or the Lagniappe Broadcast Network. Who needs consultant-driven playlists or monthly subscription fees?
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