SAVE BEETHOVEN RADIO!!!

[navneeth]

You may need to write to your representative again.
Link

[Trumpetmaster]

My congressman did finally respond...



"Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the Copyright Royalty Board’s (CRB) decision that would substantially increase royalty rates. I apologize that the heavy volume of mail I have received has delayed my response, but I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.

Like you, I believe that Internet radio plays an integral role in our culture and must be protected. These stations provide a distinctive type of programming without commercial breaks and give many a forum for open public expression.

As you may know, earlier this year the CRB, an oversight body created by Congress to settle royalty disputes in the music business, issued a new, higher fee structure for Web music broadcasts. The ruling has prompted a largely negative response from Web-based and public radio station operators. This new fee structure could potential push many groups out of the market. I want you to know that I too share your concerns about this ruling.

You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of the Internet Radio Equality Act (H.R. 2060). This legislation addresses the recent development with the Copyright Royalty Board by nullifying their ruling altogether for web casting and the rates for such digital performances.

The Internet Radio Equality Act was introduced by Congressman Jay Inslee of Washington and I am happy to say has widespread bipartisan support. It has been referred to both the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Please be assured that I will keep your views firmly in mind should I have the opportunity to vote on this legislation.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again on any matter of concern. You can also visit my website (http://www.house.gov/israel) to learn more about the issues important to you.

Sincerely,

STEVE ISRAEL
Member of Congress "

[navneeth]

'Silent' Protest on Tuesday.

http://www.lawbean.com/2007/06/23/inter ... june-26th/

http://www.savenetradio.org/press_room/ ... ilence.pdf

What about WTMI/BR?

[Nicole Marie]

The Silent Protest is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Radio stations can make a bigger impact by talking to their listeners and expressing to them how important this issue is.

The majority of listeners don't care about this issue. They will try to tune into a radio station that day and not hear anything. They will then simply find another station to listen to. The intended "impact" of the day of silence will be lost on most people. Given the numbers of listener we have and the respose we have heard from those that have contacted their state reps - it's only about 5%. Just like in national elections - people don't participate in the vote. So why would we tick off listeners, advertisers etc when we could do more by talking to people that day.

[Shapley]

Nicole,

I agree.

[Trumpetmaster]

i agree too .....
very good point Y.R.H.

[BigJon@Work]

HRH NM

What does your crystal ball report for the future of B.com? Anything new?

[Trumpetmaster]

Any updates?

[navneeth]

A couple of recent articles on this issue
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20 ... rease.html
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20 ... ption.html

[BigJon@Work]

So, what may the DRM requirements mean for the way b.com operates? A custom or mandatory player?

[Nicole Marie]

We are currently exploring a few different options so we can keep streaming. So far we are maintaining the status quo. You will never hear a difference on air, nothing is changing but we are looking into a few business moves behind the scene. We will let you know!

They are offering deals for large streaming companies where they will not have to pay more than $50,000 a year in royalties but we do not fit that definition. We really don't fit into any catagory when it comes to the deals they are offering for stations. We are just an independant station (those are the stations they really want to get rid of). But we have a few hands we still have not played! I'll keep you posted!