Niteshift,
I think this is changing and I would of course fully support the concept of online (digital streaming) performance royalties just as it's done for TV and other public access areas. In the U.S. radio stations got away with "spinning" records all these years because politically it worked out to the advantage of the record labels to get the "free" exposure, but the music industry doesn't want to make the same mistake again with new online formats and venues.

Take at look at these services:
http://loudcity.com/broadcast
http://loudcity.com/services/requirements

http://www.swcast.net/
Their big issue is royalty parity for all broadcasters.

http://www.ascap.com/weblicense/
Their intro for
NEW MEDIA & INTERNET LICENSES:

We realize that as technology changes and users’ expectations of on-line music grow, ASCAP must continue to be a leader in Internet licensing. Accordingly, we are pleased to announce two new versions of our widely used Internet license agreements: "Non-Interactive 5.0" for non-interactive sites and services; and "Interactive 2.0" for interactive sites and services. A third new agreement, designed for "Wireless Music" (e.g., "ringtones" and "ringbacks"), is available on the Wireless Music page.

http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Podcasting_Legal_Guide

As you can see, it's already here and more is soon coming!
Eventually royalties need to be agreed on so they'll work around the whole world (not just a few countries), because the web makes audience/venue access completely global and not just local. Probably they could charge based on verified monthly or annual audience reach similar to how they license many different kinds of venues including Free and Pay-per Cable TV and subscribed Satellite radio, etc.

Just my 2 cents. wink
Michael

There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself. -- Johann Sebastian Bach

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