SaveNetRadio Applauds Congress's Attempt to Save Internet Radio

NEW ORLEANS, LA. (SaveNetRadio) - The SaveNetRadio coalition today applauded Jay Inslee (D-WA) for introducing legislation that could save thousands of webcasters from bankruptcy. "The Internet Radio Equality Act" would reverse a March 2nd ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) that increased the fees webcasters pay to play music online by a stunning 300 to 1200 percent.

"Since the CRB's March 2nd decision to dramatically and unfairly increase webcaster royalty rates, millions of Internet radio listeners, webcasters and artists have called on Congress to take action," said Jake Ward of the SaveNetRadio coalition. "Today Congress took notice, and we thank Mr. Inslee for leading the charge to save music diversity on the Internet."

The Internet Radio Equality Act would vacate the CRB's decision and set a 2006-2010 royalty rate at the same level currently paid by satellite radio services (7.5% of revenue.) The bill would also change the royalty rate- setting standard used in royalty arbitrations, so that the standards applying to webcasters would align with the standard that applies to satellite radio royalty arbitrations.

"The illogical and unrealistic royalty rates set by the CRB have placed the future of an entire industry in jeopardy," stated Ward. "This bill is a critical step to preserve this vibrant and growing medium, and to develop a truly level playing field where webcasters can compete with satellite radio. The Internet Radio Equality Act is the last best hope webcasters, artists, and listeners have to keep the music playing. I know New Orleans will be glad to hear it!"

SaveNetRadio, together with WWOZ, the official radio station of Jazz Fest 2007, is sponsoring the HOT 8 Jazz band in a live Internet concert during the New Orleans festival on May 2nd. The coalition is also educating Jazz Fest musicians about the possibility that Internet radio - an important medium for all musicians, but independent musicians in particular - will all but die on May 15 when the CRB royalty is scheduled to take effect.

The bill would also reset the royalty rules for noncommercial radio such as NPR stations that offer Internet radio music.