Webcasting (also called streaming media) is a form of broadcasting audiovisual content through the World Wide Web: it conveys the immediacy of television broadcasting with the interactivity and convenience of the Internet. Webcasting is often live transmission of audiovisual content over the Internet, however the audiovisual content can also be achieved and stored on a server, and be accessed and viewed instantly on a computer usually by using Windows Media Player, Quicktime or RealTime. In other words, achieved and stored audiovisual content provides video on demand (VOD) and the “files stream to the end user and are viewed as they arrive, without first downloading� (BharatMatrimony.com, 2004). As the data of the streamed file is simultaneously “downloaded� and viewed, it leaves no physical file left on the viewer’s computer. However, ‘stream ripping’ is possible by using free software such as Streambox VCR and MPlayer where the user can download, save and copy the streaming media (Mike, 2004). “The technology behind webcasting is streaming audio and video. That means RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) over UDP (User Datagram Protocol) in most cases� (Linktionary, 2004). The development of the streaming media technology has been rapid the last years. Not only the increase of users has contributed to this, but also the introduction of ADSL and broadband, which enables a much higher connection speed than the modem, and therefore a much greater quality of the streaming media. Webcasting is often used as an addition to television programs on television: many programs and series designed for youths such as Australian Idol, BigBrother and other cross-media content offers additional clips and behind the scenes-clips on their websites using the streaming media technology. Opposed to regular broadcasting is webcasting not restricted to a geographical area. Users all over the world can connect to a server and view a streaming media file seconds after requesting it.
The emerge of webcasting has made potential for new and alternative voices. Minority groups that wouldn’t be heard in the commercial media picture can easily broadcast through webcasting as it is cost-efficient, easy to do, and have the potential of a worldwide audience (Bruns, 2004).
The royalties and fee structure for the Webcasters has been a long ongoing problem, and especially for the radio Webcasters. It’s been heavy disagreement on how to calculate the fees, however small Webcasters and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) came to an agreement late 2002 (Bruns, 2003). In Australia, the Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Bill became law on 4 March 2001 and the law introduced a ‘right of communication to the public’. Experimental licences, or in other words licences for hobbyists were also introduced.
Simen Sjoelli 17:52, 27 Oct 2004 (EST)
