Now, hold on. You’re not takin’ my radio.
First of all, thanks, everyone, for listening to and commenting on the podcasts! I ‘ppreciate it, and I’m glad to hear ya like it. 
And now I’m going to get political on your butts.
Seems the Copyright Royalty Board - at the behest of the RIAA’s Sound Exchange and others - has ruled in favor of nearly tripling the royalty rates on internet radio. This rates hike makes playing the music you love too expensive for many broadcasters. Worse still is that this ruling is retroactive to January, 2006, meaning that some of your favorite ‘net broadcasters are already bankrupt. Dead men walking as of May 15th of this year.
And this ruling effects everyone in the US - even the big guys like Yahoo and AOL. NPR and Clear Channel are fighting it, too. To say nothing of the smaller broadcasters! This also damages the artists. Without internet radio, major labels and indies alike are going to feel the sting.
Way to go, RIAA. That’s some smart thinking, there.
The CRB denied a rehearing on the matter, but we can still help. Visit http://www.savenetradio.org/ or click the banner below for more info. I’m, by the way, not associated with this organization whatsoever. I just really, really like Pandora and would be a cranky little bumblebee if it went away. I mean, internet radio is how I found some of my favorite artists, and these are people I’m never gonna hear on KROQ.
Help yourselves to some more info right here:
April 16th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Royalty rates, this is what the artists and studios earn and are entitled to, right? From sales and fees based on their works?
I’m just wondering if anyone knows why these rates have tripled? I know that artists work hard at their craft, and deserve to be paid for it… But tripled?
I can understand why broadcasters can’t afford this change; they probably make very little as it is off the skimmings in place already.
My question is: Are we fighting the royalty rate increase itself? Which has led to broadcasters being unable to make ends meet? Or are we fighting to keep both high royalty rates for the artists, and make the music affordable?
A little clarification before I poke my nose into government sites please. O_x
April 16th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Good question Autumnbear - It’s the rates hike we’re fighting. The increase mostly serves the RIAA and major label artists. And really more the RIAA *labels* than their own artists. This is largely about corporate greed, but I think they may be cutting off their own nose to spite their face on this one. There’s more info in the sites I linked above.
April 16th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
You’re up late
I read the site, and I THOUGHT it was just the rate hike we would be fighting… However, I was a little unsure. A few people actually BELIEVE that you can maintain high rate earnings with these royalties, AND at the same time keep the costs of hosting minimal. I’m glad I’m not joining a fight where we all believe in a rubber budget!
Alright. Let’s make those head honchos sweat then.