As some of you may have heard on NPR's AirTalk this morning, Congress has issued a ruling that SIGNIFICANTLY increases the fees that are paid by internet broadcasters for streaming media, to the point that small webcasters would be racking up bills that FAR exceed their annual revenue - effectively rendering them bankrupt and, therefore, closed.

If this ruling is allowed to stand, it will be a gigantic blow to independant music. Internet radio will have to chase advertisers with a budget hefty enough to pay these gargantuan bills, and therefore indie and experimental music will cease to become a part of their playlist.

Basically, internet radio will start to sound a lot like terrestrial radio. And we all know how much that sucks, right?

Here is a page that gives a simple, straightforward, easy-to-read overview of the situation - live365.com/choice

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
(taken from the above link)
-Send a stamped letter, mailed by U.S. Mail or FedEx to your congressperson (find their mailing address). This type of hand-written message with your own personal story is treated with a LOT of value when received by your congressperson. Include your personal story... your name and location, the type of music you listen to, and how this new royalty will affect you. Be as specific as you possibly can.

-Though it's not nearly as effective as a postmarked letter, you can also send an e-mail message to your Senators and Representatives. With your zipcode or address, you can use this quick, easy e-mail form to get directly to the congressperson for your location: congress.org (use the form letter found there or write your own story)

-SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

Save The Streams

Digital Media Association

Save Our Internet Radio

RAIN - TheRadio Internet Newsletter

Please take action and please feel free to repost!

*mel