The Zone FAQ

What is 99 The Zone?

At 99theZone.com, we showcase a mix of modern & classic rock, blues, alternative rock, and emerging world artists on a truly independent radio station - 24/7.

We play almost all of those classic artists that many of us grew up with – from the Beatles and Rolling Stones – to R.E.M., Bob Marley, Tom Petty and U2 – along with alternative artists like King of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay and Ben Harper and 99 The Zone rising stars like Mumford & Sons, Black Keys, The Decemberists, and Michael Franti & Spearhead.

The music that is played is not necessarily the "Top 40" hits. 99 The Zone often plays songs that were extremely popular, but not necessarily the "#1" hit of the day.

For example: 99 The Zone might play "Glass Onion" by the Beatles – instead of "Let It Be."

By keeping the music fresh and playing deeper tracks from popular artists and bands - 99 The Zone creates a passionate connection with its listeners.

Our playlist reflects our West Coast mountain lifestyle & our drive to get involved and give back through social action produces one of the most loyal listener communities on the radio.

Why Support 99 The Zone?

Your voluntary support enables us to devote all of our time and energy to making 99 The Zone the best independent radio station possible.

It also pays for the bandwidth, equipment and services required to keep the station
online, and for the rather substantial copyright royalties we are required to pay.

Isn't Internet Radio Pretty Cheap To Run?

We use professional-grade audio equipment and computer automation software and have redundant systems and Internet connections to reduce downtime and outages.

We maintain servers in three locations: our audio stream sources and control systems are here in Whistler, BC; our main database server, & off site backups, & web servers are located at a data center in Columbus, Ohio; our stream distribution center is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

In addition, we pay a significant amount of money in royalty fees to music copyright holders, pay income & business taxes, cover a hefty utility bill, utilize professional accounting & technical services, and all of the other expenses that go along with running a business.

How Do the Artists You Play Get Their Royalties?

We pay fees to the industry groups SOCAN [who represent songwriters & publishers] in very much the same way that an FM station does. These fees are distributed to songwriters & publishers based on periodic airplay surveys & reports.

In addition, online radio stations are subject to additional copyright fees [performance royalties], paid to yet another industry group called ReSound. They represent performers and record companies - mostly the latter, since they are a de facto arm of the infamous Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 99 The Zone pays a surprisingly hefty fee to ReSound each year, which is distributed to artists and record labels.

Satellite broadcasters like XM & Sirius pay performance royalties as well, but at a significantly lower rate than online stations like 99 The Zone.

This rate disparity is due primarily to online broadcasters lack of clout with the lawmakers and the copyright offices. Legally operated online radio stations like 99 The Zone pay the highest royalty rates - by far - of any class of broadcaster in North America.

What About Tuning Into 99 The Zone In My Car?

We're very excited about the potential of the 3G/4G cellular networks that are finally rolling out in the US & Canada.

Over the next 2 or 3 years broadband wireless services and upgrades should be available to most consumers in North America & Europe. This will provide a viable alternative to terrestrial & satellite radio for most consumers.

The automotive industry has taken notice of this potential. Ford, BMW, Toyota, & Mercedes all have announced that 2011 models will see options for internet ready radio units & built in apps for your favorite online station available when the vehicle rolls off the factory floor.

99 The Zone has mobile apps in the development pipeline for the iPhone, Android, & Blackberry smart-phones.

Currently you can use any smart-phones line out jack with the radio auxiliary input to stream programming to your car stereo. You can also connect via Bluetooth if your phone & radio support the technology.

Pretty cool, huh?