Goodbye Pandora, you will be missed!

Recently I have been reading articles on the web about Pandora and how new legislation may force Pandora, and other internet radio providers, out of business.  Under this new legislation, internet radio providers would have to pay more than double the amount per song that traditional terrestrial radio stations pay.

First of all, why do radio stations have to pay for the songs they play? Isn't airtime free advertising for artists and record companies?  The more plays they get on the air, the more people that hear their songs and the more people buy the album or mp3.  This practice makes absolutely no sense.  Additionally, why should internet radio providers pay more than double what terrestrial radio stations pay?  If you listen to the radio and here a song that you like, you either have to drive to the local record store and purchase the CD or log into I-tunes and buy the track.  If you like a song while listening to Pandora, you can click the "buy" button and be redirected immediately so you can purchase the song.  This impulse buying should net more revenue for the records companies and artists.  

Hopefully someone will come to their senses and stop this unfair practice.