MediaBytes 07.13.2007

SOUNDEXCHANGE told a Congressional hearing on Thursday that it would not enforce the Sunday deadline for increased royalty rates, which was threatening to put many Internet radio stations out of business. The company will negotiate new rates with Internet stations. For now, those stations will continue operating.

NEXT NEW NETWORKS’s “Indy Mogul” generated over a million streams in June. Next New Networks was formed by former Viacom executives, with the intention of creating several niche video sites. Indy Mogul focuses on independent film, and is the company’s third site to reach a million streams in one month. Other Next New ventures include sites for car enthusiasts and video game fanatics. It promises to launch over 20 niche sites before the end of the year.

NICKELODEON will launch its first online series on July 22nd. The show, called “Nick Cannon’s Star Camp,” will follow 8 children trying to break into the music business. It will be delivered in five 15-minute episodes exclusively on TurboNick. TurboNick had a record month in June, with 122 million streams, a 535% increase over last year.

CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL has introduced a bill to promote education about the coming transition to digital television. The Engel bill would create a committee to coordinate government and industry during the transition, and increase funding for consumer education programs. Legislators are growing concerned about the lack of awareness about the switch to digital television, which is currently scheduled for February of 2009.

YOUTUBE announced the winner of its first “Sketchies” award. “Awkward Pictures” took home the prize, for a series of three slightly-amusing short films with respectable production values.