Small college radio stations get a tiny royalty rate increase for 2026

The US Copyright Royalty Judges announced a small cost-of-living increase to the royalty rate that certain noncommercial college radio stations must pay. This means these stations will pay slightly more in 2026 for using music from specific rights holders.

Every year, the US Copyright Royalty Board adjusts the rates that specific broadcasters pay to use music. These adjustments are usually small, reflecting inflation rather than major shifts in how music is valued or licensed. It is a routine administrative update that keeps the system running.