FM station resumes Webcasts--for a fee

Popular independent radio station KPIG is again offering its tunes via the Web, but only to folks who pony up $5.95 a month to hear them. , the first commercial station to Webcast its programming live, stopped the practice last month, saying it could no longer afford new Web licensing fees imposed under pressure from the record labels. But now the station is partnering with RealNetworks, which is offering KPIG through its subscription service.

The move is part of Real's expansion of its subscription services to include college sports and other offerings. Many independent radio stations have halted Webcasts because of the new licensing fees.