Recently a law was passed in the U.S. to protect the big media oligarchs against competition from the "little guys" (and gals) on the internet.
The tactic is simple: bankrupt us all.
The SaveNetRadio coalition is asking the public to support a counter-measure:
The future of Internet radio is in immediate danger. Royalty rates for webcasters have been drastically increased by a recent ruling and are due to go into effect on July 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). If the increased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters will go bankrupt and silent on this date. Internet radio needs your help! H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act was introduced by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL ) to save the Internet radio industry. ...
So if you live in the United States, and would like to ensure that webcasters can continue to operate and offer you the variety and choices that big media can't (nor would), please contact your Congressman or Congresswoman and ask them to support the Internet Radio Equality Act.
Canadians might want to get informed on this as well. Historically, the U.S. media industry has always considered Canada part of its domestic market. Which means that whatever happens south of the 49 will soon be repeated north of it. (You will notice that this issue isn't in the "news" anywhere...)
More info and the link here.
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