Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Save Your Station! New royalty rates could close us down!

Save Your Station! New royalty rates could close us down!
I received this in my email. Please read and help us fight this new royalty rates on internet radio stations.Save Your Station!
Blessings,
iggy

IMPORTANT: Visit http://www.live365.com/broadcast/choice/#what_we_are_doing for changes that immediately affect your broadcast.Dear Live365 Broadcasters:

Recently, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) made an initial ruling of alarmingly high new royalty rates for Internet radio for the 2006-2010 period. The ruling increased sound recording royalties by 140% over the next 4 years and included a $500 minimum fee per station per year. The CRB is now rehearing our arguments against these unrealistic fees, but we must keep the pressure on.

With around 10,000 stations the previously released rates would mean an additional $5 million per year owed by Live365 and our broadcasters. Should this decision stand, most small webcasters on Live365 would be driven out of business and listeners would lose diversity in radio programming and choice in radio content.We've created a special broadcaster webpage that has tools and information to help. This new page includes congressional addresses and contact information, sample letters, a broadcaster story submission form, details on changes we will be making to the Live365 services, and more.

Please check it out at http://www.live365.com/members/login.live?url=/broadcast/choice.Though the CRB is rehearing our arguments, you still must make your voice heard by the lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Call, write, e-mail, and/or visit your Representatives and Senators today!

We will continue to fight for a realistic ruling and will work with our broadcasters, audiences, partners, and DiMA to appeal with the DC Court of Appeals if our motions are not granted.You, Live365 Broadcasters, are our voice. Our voice must resonate to be heard and to save Internet radio. We've weathered this storm before and will do so again!

Sincerely,
Jason Stoddard
Director,
Broadcasting
Live365 Inc.

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