LOUISE BROOKS SOCIETY ([info]louisebrooks) wrote,
@ 2008-05-15 16:54:00
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RadioLulu update
I regret to report that broadcasters still have not been able to reach agreement with SoundExchange over an acceptable performance royalty rate for internet radio stations like RadioLulu. Fortunately, supporters in Congress are getting frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations and are finally taking action.

This Thursday, May 15th, Senator Sam Brownback will be offering an amendment to include the Internet Radio Equality Act (IREA) provisions into legislation being considered by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. As you may remember, IREA was a bill introduced last year to cap royalties at 7.5% of Internet radio revenues.

A fair and reasonable royalty rate is needed now more than ever. Together with Live365, RadioLulu and 6,000 other small webcasters are streaming hundreds of diverse musical artists and genres that simply can't be heard on AM/FM dials. But unless the royalty rate is lowered to the same rate as other radio media, we will always be at a competitive disadvantage with higher costs and fewer listeners.

RadioLulu needs your help to support the IREA bill. So, please take a minute and go to www.savenetradio.org to fire off a quick email or phone call to your Senator. Unless we all raise our voices, the corporate greed of major labels will triumph over small webcasters that broadcast diverse musical genres and talent.

Help protect RadioLulu and internet radio for small webcasters!



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[info]louisebrooks
2008-05-21 05:11 pm UTC (link)
Congress Heard Us!

Last Thursday, Senator Sam Brownback made good on his promise to introduce the IREA provisions in the Judiciary Committee to lower webcaster royalty rates. This motion prompted Chairman Leahy to announce "his strong support" for webcasters and noted the messages that he had received from Vermont webcasters. Other Senators also acknowledged our calls and e-mails. They made a HUGE impact!

It gets even better. Senator Brownback requested a Congressional hearing on the webcaster royalty rates and Chairman Leahy expressed support for the idea. We'll see whether Sen. Leahy does indeed schedule a committee hearing on the webcaster royalty issue, but this is an important first step in getting on the Chairman's agenda.

The message is finally getting through that webcasters like you play a vital role in the music industry and should not be subjected to the highest royalty rate. Radio Lulu and Live365 will continue to drive these points home in Congress and with SoundExchange.

Thank you for taking the time to contact your Senator and speaking out. Your support is absolutely critical to Internet radio's success!

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[info]mercutiaah
2008-05-23 06:11 pm UTC (link)
Yay Kansas Senator Sam Brownback. I certainly wouldn't want the guy for president, but I'm proud of his initiative on this issue, as well as his active participation in the movement to stop the genocide in Darfur. Thumbs-up to him!

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