The Washington Post reported on the state of Pandora - an internet radio station like no other. Every type of music, and every genre is present somewhere in Pandora’s vast catalog. The newer laws that directly effect internet radio is causing Pandora some problems.

If Pandora can’t come up with a solution to these issues then, one of the largest names in internet radio may end. That’s pretty sad if you stop to think about it. Hundreds of internet radio stations don’t pay royalties. Many of them should but, they are so small they fall under the radar.

Then, there are internet radio stations that use royalty free music. There are also stations that cater to a sub-genre of music. Those stations get their music directly from the small labels and artists they play.

What really gets to me about this issue is, Pandora actually helps the artist. Traditional radio does not give you the option to buy the music you hear. You have to find that music. Traditional radio also only plays certain songs by an artist. Places similar to Pandora (like last.fm) give you the chance to hear songs you would never hear on the radio and, artists you would never hear on the radio.

I’ve bought plenty of music thanks to Pandora and last.fm . I’ve also discovered plenty of new artists thanks to those two sites. I can not say the same for traditional radio. Yet, Pandora and stations like Pandora are seemingly punished for introducing people to good music, and helping the artists. Something isn’t right here.

This is yet another reason why the laws that previously worked for broadcasting need to see a change. There are two totally different types of media being distributed in today’s world. Traditional media and new media. The laws that take care of traditional media don’t work for new media. Services like Pandora need to stick around and continue to provide us with entertainment and good music.