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Subject: Internet Radio Is In Trouble Content: On March 2nd the Copyright Royalty Board changed the rate structure by which Internet radio stations pay royalties, ignoring testimony from the webasters and giving the RIAA/SoundExchange what they wanted. Under the rate increase some stations would be required to pay royalties of 100 to 125% of their revenues to SoundExchange, the collection agency for the RIAA. This decision was appealed by webcasters as well as National Public Radio, Clear Channel Communications and others. On April 16th the Copyright Royalty Board refused to consider the appeal because they felt that there was no new compeling evidence. The new rates will take effect on May 15th, retroactive through 2006. What this means is Internet radio in this country is now in serious trouble. Unless Congress takes action, on May 15th many Internet radio stations will go bankrupt because of the new royalty rates. The rest of us will be forced to shut down because companies like Live365 and Loudcity will not be able to exsist under the new rate structure. These companies make it easy and affordable for the small webcaster to pay royalties to SoundExchange. This decision also impacts music streamed on AOL, Yahoo, ITunes, etc. If you care about the survival of Internet radio in this country and for more information visit:http://www.savenetradio.org/ Please add your name to the petition and let Congress know how you feel. Terrestrial broadcasting could very well be the RIAA's next target.Jay Donovan1290gli.com |
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