2007: Friday, May 4 ~ help save net radio
The recording industry status quo in the U.S. is aiming to crush the development of independent internet radio - currently one of the best ways to hear and enjoy a wide range of music. The Copyright Royalty Board recently ordered an increase in webcasters' royalty rates of between 300 and 1200 percent over the next 5 years.
The SaveNetRadio coalition, made up of artists, labels, listeners, and webcasters, notes that this ruling, due to go into effect on July 15, 2007 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006), jeopardizes the online industry and threatens to homogenize Internet radio: "If the increased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters will go bankrupt and silent on this date. Internet radio needs your help!"
You can let your voice be heard. Visit/contact the SaveNetRadio coalition
For some plain talk about the issue(s), as well, here's an article by
Miles Raymer from this week's Chicago
Reader. Lots more on this situation can be found at Free
Press
