When you list today's 10 most profitable networks, only one is a traditional broadcaster - NBC.

Ms. Rosen declined to disclose the levels of the fees, adding the organization "looks forward" to negotiating rates with the traditional broadcasters.

Cable got off to a relatively late start in this country, where satellite-delivered television has been the main alternative to traditional broadcasters.

Those providing subscription or syndicated services will pay the same rates as SoundExchange charges traditional broadcasters.

"There are only two traditional broadcasters in Hong Kong," he said.

This dichotomy is highlighted by the public service aspects of traditional commercial broadcasters.

That juggling act is part of plans to return to its roots as a traditional broadcaster seeking to reach all audiences.

Together, traditional broadcasters and Internet-only start-ups offer more than 1,700 audio channels that you can listen to through your computer.

In the United States, the market is far more competitive with traditional broadcasters and powerful cable operators.

But as cable and digital television, along with the Internet, grow more popular, Americans get less information and entertainment from traditional over-the-air broadcasters.