While it seemed earlier this year that they had found a way to continue operating their 24/7 bluegrass music stream online, it now appears that The Bluegrass Mix is off the air for good.
Station operator Roger Randolph confirmed this morning what we had heard on Sunday that the stream was shutting down as a result of increased operating costs from new royalty rates for online broadcasters that went into effect at the end of January. Roger had announced a likely shutdown date at that time, but a solution seemed to have been found when a consortium of event promoters agreed to sponsor the online content at Bluegrass Mix.
But that plan looks to have fizzled and the station has ceased broadcasting online.
The Bluegrass Mix had been available online since 2006 when Randolph and Julie Raye launched the service in the spring of that year. Using a staff of volunteer hosts from all over the world, each working from their own computers, the station built up a large number of loyal listeners.
But donations from listeners have not been able to keep up with increased costs, and Roger has let the stream go dark. He shared this message with all the folks who have supported them through the years, “We all here at The Bluegrass Mix wish to say thanks to our listeners and to those who have helped with donations.”
Some of the hosts whose shows were carried by The Bluegrass Mix will migrate to another stream located at TheBluegrassJamboree.com.
Farewell, Bluegrass Mix.
