Online radio stations will pay the same royalty rates for the next five years

The US Copyright Royalty Judges have proposed keeping the current royalty rates for digital music performances by online radio stations. This means that from 2026 through 2030, these stations will pay the same amount per song played as they do now.

The cost of music licensing is a major factor for online radio stations, especially smaller ones. Predictable rates mean these stations can plan their budgets and operations without worrying about sudden cost increases. This stability helps smaller broadcasters compete with larger streaming services.