James Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 http://www.broadcastingworld.com/news/view-491/ Hello Broadcasters, It's with a heavy heart we tell you that LoudCity will be closing down on Feb 28. After several years the team has decided to move on to other opportunities. No new service fees will be charged to any broadcaster as of tomorrow, February 4th. If you were charged a service fee on February 1 to February 3, 2014, you will receive a refund for the unused balance of your account for March 1st, 2nd or 3rd, as the case may be. Refunds will be issued to you in March. It's truly been a pleasure serving all of you. We hope you will continue your craft with other services. We wish you the best of luck in whatever your next step may be. Signing off, LoudCity Thoughts? Studiio - All-In-One Radio Communication Platform SMS | Phone Calls | Social Media | Content Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egane Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Hello, new to the forum - and drawn here by this headline.... We recently signed up with Loudcity to ensure we were paying our licensing dues, this was certainly the most cost effective option for us as a small niche station (http://www.gripofdelusion.com) btw :o) I just wonder where this now leaves us? We do not have an income stream to offset additional costs and are self funded. The end of Loudcity to me at least signals the beginning of the end for smaller operations being able to afford to license at a reasonable cost. What options do we have now? We need to find an alternative and I would rather avoid adverts.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 Hello, new to the forum - and drawn here by this headline.... We recently signed up with Loudcity to ensure we were paying our licensing dues, this was certainly the most cost effective option for us as a small niche station (www.gripofdelusion.com) btw :o) I just wonder where this now leaves us? We do not have an income stream to offset additional costs and are self funded. The end of Loudcity to me at least signals the beginning of the end for smaller operations being able to afford to license at a reasonable cost. What options do we have now? We need to find an alternative and I would rather avoid adverts.... You can move to another licensing provider (although their plans are more expensive than Loudcity's, they DO cover more bases including SOCAN in Canada). Or you can organise licensing yourself through your relative associations within your country. We have a starting out video that lists all organisations. Studiio - All-In-One Radio Communication Platform SMS | Phone Calls | Social Media | Content Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egane Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 You can move to another licensing provider (although their plans are more expensive than Loudcity's, they DO cover more bases including SOCAN in Canada). Or you can organise licensing yourself through your relative associations within your country. We have a starting out video that lists all organisations. Thank you James, I will check that out. The real problem here is we run the station for the appreciation of the music we play and the community it serves - there is no money in it to fund the licensing. Adverts would push people away so it would have to come out of our already shallow funds... Thanks Loudcity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 There is no cause for alarm. In the US there are 2 companies that do blanket licensing, LoudCity & Stream Licensing. So, if LoudCity is shutting down, just move to Stream Licensing. Prices are the same. Here is a discount code to save $15: BW-15 SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njtreker Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I saw that coming when Loudcaster went out a while back. Thanks to Shoutcaststreaming for the post and discount code for Stream Licensing. The process of moving was fairly quick and easy and this is coming from someone who isn't that great at HTML coding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Hitz Radio Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Welcome to Stream Licensing. One of my concerns has always been that of that former so-called licensing provider who never paid the bills and took the money. With SL being the only player around, I definitely wonder what decisions played in the outcome of LC shutting down. And hope that something like this never happens to SL. For the time being, I do not see any other independent operation that is looking to cover these fees for a low monthly subscription fee. Now with that being said, with Shoutcast getting a new owner, that might be a key factor, as they may have the resources to put L365 completely out of business. Radionomoy can enter into a joint partnership with SL to secure the future of internet broadcasting. All of these changes definitely mean something - just have to wait and find out just what! -- JE .::.(())::. Urban Hitz Radio™ USA .::.(())::. The People' Choice for Hip-Hop & R&B! Listen to Urban Hitz Radio - GET A Local or TOLL-FREE Request Line NOW...Only $2 Monthly *Request Line: (855) 588-6767 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 The two are not related, believe me. SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njtreker Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I really don't want to speculate about any of this. Perhaps Loud City had planned to pack it in or something happened to cause them to end it. I am going to use Stream Licensing, they seem like they have their act together. If something happens to them, I will have some decisions to make. That would basically leave Radionomy or Live365. Live365 is expensive, you have to use their propitiatory player. I am not entirely sure what Radionomy is all about yet. For now lets hope Stream Licensing is benefiting from the influx of Loud City customers and perhaps someone else throws their hat into the ring to have an alternative (competition never hurts to keep the honest people honest). All I can do at this point is keep rocking and wait to see what happens next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I really can't believe that we have lost customers who are running scared. The closing of LoudCity has absolutely no impact on the ability to pay royalties to ASCAP, BMI, SoundExchange, etc. under a blanket license. They do the exact same thing and the prices are exactly the same as LoudCity. No need to run to LIVE365. However, I have heard from SL that they are swamped with many, many broadcasters contacting them about switching. So if they don't answer in seconds, please give them a little time. SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PERC Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Hi everybody, Im new to this site and had just joined some forums on loudcity... I guess i have to find some other places to get information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dedideals Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Shame to see it go, looks like they did very well BoxSRV - SHOUTcast, SHOUTcast resellers, shared hosting, domains and more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 This forum is excellent for current information, and I may be a bit biased but StreamLicensing's Forum is another great place to be! To participate there, you need to register, than give your username to me by email or support ticket to approve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 @shoutcaststreaming.us I'm hearing you are not the only stream provider who is losing broadcasters due to LoudCity's closure. I too, am surprised at the bleeding, but I think those who go to Live365 will be back in droves once they discover the Live365 experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 @Marvin .. being a LIVE365 broadcaster for several years (many years ago), I grew a dislike for their raising prices and inserting commercials into the streams. However, I am amazed that broadcasters would do such a dramatic switch from SHOUTcast to LIVE365. SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EZRyder Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 just my 2 cents here, but from my (somewhat) recent experiences with Live365 they only insert commercials in their ad-supported packages... their "pro" packages have the option to completely opt out of any advertising, plus they automatically took care of my full SoundExchange, ASCAP, BMI and SESAC licensing. I customized my own player to embed on my site and was paying something like $160 ($150? i forget) per month. didn't have to share ad revenue or do anything weird it may be a bit more expensive than the competition, but it was well worth the price for me not having to go anywhere else for anything else. seemed like a no brainer. in the end i stopped running my station due to time constraints (wife, job, friends... cat?) but it was fun and i thought they did a good job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 @EZRyder .. well yeah, but who in their right mind wants to spend $160 per month for their premium service. I was on a tight budget and that amount of money was outrageous. SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Hitz Radio Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I'm telling you, L365 is for the birds or babies. I started out with L365 in 1999. Quickly moved from that platform to Shoutcast in 2000/2001. It was good for what it was in its hay-day...An upload platform. Just set it and forget it. Press play, and let it gooooooooooo! Everyone has their choice, but no serious broadcaster in 2014 would dare use Live365. Serious Broadcasters who are the small, independent operators: Get yourself a Dedicated server (@ home or rent one or rent a shared environment). Invest in a Broadcasting tool of your choice. sign up for SL, AND FUND YOUR OPERATION OUT OF YOUR POCKET. Outsource your voice talent needs where applicable, and pound the internet pavement with advertisements. If you are able to maintain, then, you will soon find a way to monetize your station. There should be no reason in 2014 for any station to beg people to pay them via paypal to keep their station afloat. I understand that everyone loves this outlet, however we have to find a way to stand united against the big wigs, and until that happens, things will continue as they have been going. It has become a them against US. When discussions for online radio are printed, they talk about the CBS, CC, Emmis broadcasters who hopped on the bandwagon lte in the game, where earlier they refused to take part. Print media does not talk about you and me who MADE Internet streaming. These corporate bums continue to make millions while serving up the same censored junk you hear on the FM dial! Lower quality streams, as if it were an old AM station from the 50'S. That's not innovation. And they are aiming to take over the Internet Radio market and leave the small broadcasters OUT! We have been so brainwashed to think that small webcasters are doing something great and everyone taking notice...NOT @ our work though. So the next time you read an article that states how the ratings for Internet Radio are taking over, remember SMALL WEBCASTERS are not @ the top of that list. UNless you ca show me an article that pin points shoutcast as MANY MORE thousands of listeners than the average corporate station. -- JE .::.(())::. Urban Hitz Radio™ USA .::.(())::. The People' Choice for Hip-Hop & R&B! Listen to Urban Hitz Radio - GET A Local or TOLL-FREE Request Line NOW...Only $2 Monthly *Request Line: (855) 588-6767 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njtreker Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Now the LoudCity Site reads: " Hello Broadcasters, LoudCity is currently undergoing negotiations with an interested party in an effort to continue operations. We shall keep you posted!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Now the LoudCity Site reads: " Hello Broadcasters, LoudCity is currently undergoing negotiations with an interested party in an effort to continue operations. We shall keep you posted!" http://www.broadcastingworld.com/news/view-507/ Studiio - All-In-One Radio Communication Platform SMS | Phone Calls | Social Media | Content Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWorld Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 @Marvin .. being a LIVE365 broadcaster for several years (many years ago), I grew a dislike for their raising prices and inserting commercials into the streams. However, I am amazed that broadcasters would do such a dramatic switch from SHOUTcast to LIVE365. Me too! ██ Stream101 | Affordable Media Solutions ██ Shared cPanel? Web Hosting | WordPress Hosting | Premium Stream Hosting ██ TOLL-FREE: (616) 277-7280 | 30 Day NO QUESTIONS Money-Back Guarantee ██ 100% Cogent Free Network | CloudLinux OS | Tier 1 Bandwidth | Grand Rapids, MI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Hitz Radio Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I think the better question would be, why was the operation hunkered down in he first place. What happened to all the money? Clearly if they are now in negotiations with some other unnamed source to keep it all afloat, that means there were money issues. Bills were not getting paid. This is why I have always been weary of giving money to a third party to pay licensing fees. Even though the end result would be less paid on my behalf, it is still scary of what could happen when 3rd parties receive so much money from their clients. Some may have even start paying their own bills. Just like setting up a fake fund raising page on one of those sites where you get people to donate funds for a victim of some tragic storm or natural disaster. You don't know these people who claim to be family members taking up a collection for "help". Still no one has even bothered to ask this question, as if it's ok to do with the money what they please. There are no regulations in this industry. It's a trust @ your own risk kind of scenario. These are not mega corporations. They are word of mouth operations, that survive on the money of small webcasters-and that's scary! What's stopping the next SWC from setting up shop? I mean do I just wake up one day and say, hey, I want to create a company that covers licensing for small webcasters. Let me put up a page with a nice PS logo(who doesn't know how to do that in 2014?), slap a FREE bulletin board on the site, gain popularity from all of the broadcasting sites and viola! There is absolutely no financial loss on the part of the scammer, because everything can be obtained without paying one red cent: domain names, webhosting, bulletin boards, photoshop, right-click or google a few logos for use on your site to make it all seem real, etc. Come on, I have been online since 1997. I've seen a lot of mess. Most already have programming and design skills, so creating a hot site is no problem. There is only room for financial GAIN! I mean come on, the list goes on. And I am tired of seeing the same result from these so-called licensing agencies. The integrity of humans has to start and end with total honesty. The same way people got dropped from LC is the same kind of doubt you need to place upon them, when they suddenly reappear with this unnamed suitor. - especially since there has been no professionally written, detailed account of why they shut down in the first place. I work a regular M-F 8-5 and bust my ass for every dollar I get. And I'm not accusing anyone of anything, I'm just calling it as I see it, or as I can speculate on it. I'm not willing to waste my money and then be told , that's it... see ya! -- JE .::.(())::. Urban Hitz Radio™ USA .::.(())::. The People' Choice for Hip-Hop & R&B! Listen to Urban Hitz Radio - GET A Local or TOLL-FREE Request Line NOW...Only $2 Monthly *Request Line: (855) 588-6767 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njtreker Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 @Urban, Well said. I am paying a few dollars more for SL, but I plan to stick with SL for the foreseeable future. Marvin seems to have his act together and from what I have heard about him he is a good guy and is active in the community. I hope no one who has switched decides to switch back if LC is back in operation. Marvin bent over backwards to accommodate those of us who were effected by the LC announcement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dotme Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Clearly if they are now in negotiations with some other unnamed source to keep it all afloat, that means there were money issues. Bills were not getting paid. Or it could be that the guy in charge just got tired of it and closed the doors, only to be approached by someone else who was interested in taking it over. Point is, you don't know and making assumptions that have no basis in fact is extremely unfair to the parties involved. Marvin is indeed working long hours to accommodate former LoudCity customers and deserves both credit and the extra business. StreamLicensing is a well-run company with good infrastructure, staff and overall approach to the business. I'm working with them helping LoudCity clients make the switch and my own station is headed over there within the next week or so. I'm thrilled that there's still options open for small webcasters, but I'm also grateful to LoudCity for 9 years of operation, their willingness to take on as many SWCast refugees as possible, and their involvement in the CRB royalty mess a few years back. Personally, LoudCity doesn't owe me anything - including a "professional letter". I'm just appreciative they were around when they were, and I'm ready to move forward and explore everything that StreamLicensing has to offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutcaststreaming Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 @dotme - John .. thank you for all your help the past 9 years. You were always the cool level headed person who bent over backwards to help everyone (including me) out. SCS - Dedicated Bandwidth Servers Shoutcast / Icecast / Windows Media Transcoding - Auto DJ - Mobile Radio - FLASH Players - Auto DJ Broadcasting World's Stream Host of the Month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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