Internet radio just got a lot more expensive. The United States Copyright Royalty Board approved rate increases suggested by the recording industry that would make webcasters pay more for each song heard by each listener.

The rates came after hikes were proposed by the RIAA-associated Sound Exchange, which represents major and some indie music labels, Wired reports (via Paid Content). The new rates will force webcasters to pay for each individual audio stream to each user, with rates increasing every year through 2010. Webcasters will also owe fees retroactively for 2006.

The rate hikes are being called a potential deathblow to internet radio, in that they would make streaming music online too expensive for many, if not most, stations.

The blog Save Internet Radio claims that a site with only 1,000 listeners would have to pay over $150,000 in royalty fees this year alone. Wired adds that sites would have to pay a minimum of $500 per year, regardless of their size.