What if Internet Radio were to go silent? - On Friday March 2nd 2007, the Copyright Royalty Board announced new royalty rates for Internet Radio stations.  The rates are retroactive to January 2006.  The new rates essentially apply a fee of $0.0011 per performance.  That may not sound like alot, however, each hour the average radio station plays about 16 songs.  That's about 1.76 cents per hour, PER LISTENER.  A station with a 500 listener average would be hit with fees of $211 per day, $6,336 month or $76,000 a year. This amount of money is more than the STAR 107.9 tribuite site could possible make, in fact we don't even make enough as it is to break even.  Many of the internet radio stations are run by enthusiasts and hobbyiests like myself.  These small stations are the ones that are bringing you the music variety that you just can't hear on corporate owned terrestrial stations.  If these new royalty rates are not repealed by congress and the senate then this may be the day the music died.  The loose change in our pocket will no longer be able to fund this station.  Only the rich will be able to play music if this takes effect.  Do you want the rich to deside what music you listen to?  Visit  SAVENETRADIO.ORG  for more details.

Please ask your congressperson to co-sponsor the bill known as the Internet Radio Equality Act H.R. 2060, that was introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Don Manzullo (R-Ill.).  There is also related bill in the Senate, known as S. 1353.  Call your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this bill.  These bills would invalidate a March 2 decision by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board that calls for raising royalty rates paid by Net radio operators.

On Thursday (May15th), Senator Sam Brownback made good on his promise to introduce the IREA provisions in the Judiciary Committee to lower webcaster royalty rates. This motion prompted Chairman Leahy to announce "his strong support" for webcasters and noted the messages that he had received from Vermont webcasters. Other Senators also acknowledged your calls and e-mails. They made a HUGE impact!

It gets even better. Senator Brownback requested a Congressional hearing on the webcaster royalty rates and Chairman Leahy expressed support for the idea. We'll see whether Sen. Leahy does indeed schedule a committee hearing on the webcaster royalty issue, but this is an important first step in getting on the Chairman's agenda.

Thank you for taking the time to contact your Senators and speaking out. Your support is absolutely critical to Internet radio's success!