Disappointing news - the party night currently hangs in the balance. We are waiting to hear from the venue whether they can get a licence extension to 3am. At the moment everyone has to be out by 2am, which means turning the music off at 1.30am. Too early in our view. Despite changes in the laws, as it is a 'residential area' the owner doesn't think it is going to be easy, despite the fact that htere is an all night eaterie literally over the road from the place.

I recorded the latest show last night - certainly hangs together well and sounds fine. This morning I took the Tube to work rather than my usual mode of motorbike. Despite the crowds, I listened to it all the way and was in a different dimension to all the miserable faces around me. How wonderful listening to classic Disco & Dance music while commuting 0 it made the journey very pleasurable.

An interesting topic has attracted a lot of posts on the Soul Music Radio Forum , regarding licences for Internet Radio. It would appear that the PPL want to charge more for stations who simulcast on the Web and AM/FM/Digital Satellite. This is exploitation and attempt to gain control of the only truly democratic, free speech vehicle by the Government. It begins to raises questions with regards to the whole area of Internet Radio. Of course copyrighted material should be recognised and artists paid their royalties, but to begin to 'tax' an area which would penalise individuals (like me) who get lot of pleasure from playing their nusic to an appreciative audience is unfair and unjust. It also goes against the spirit of what the Internet is all about. It would IMHO be the start of further government control on what content is allowed - the next step is censorship. I think that certain areas are taboo and applaud this and other government's efforts to stamp out things like paedophilia etc., however when things enroach on 'day to day' activity then it is one step too far.

Equally I believe that Pirate radio has a place. I am aware it is (in some instances) controlled by less than scrupulous individuals, however it serves an important service, uniting communities, bringing to the fore unknown artists as well as a destination where specialist music can be heard. Ultimately, with 3G, 4G etc, FM will inevitably become redundant so it will be an academic arguement say in 5 years, however that is a long time to wait and by then the Radio Authority will have come up of a way to prevent Internet radio from becoming mainstream, thus protecting big business radio opertaors.