Artists Raise Their Voices in Support of Net Radio Legislation

Artists Raise Their Voices in Support of Net Radio Legislation

Hundreds of Small and Independent Artists Call on Congress to Enact Internet Radio Equality Act and Save Internet Radio

WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of small and independent artists called on Congress to pass the Internet Radio Equality Act before the July 15th due date of recently increased recording royalty fees for webcasters. According to the SaveNetRadio coalition, more than 650 artists, representing dozens of genres from throughout the country, have written a letter to Congressman Howard Berman -- Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property Chairman asking for his "leadership and support to help save diversity and music on the Internet."

The Roots Music Association, a member of the SaveNetRadio coalition, which represents over 2000 independent artists, released the following statement: "we are very pleased, but certainly not surprised to see such an extensive and diverse group of artists come forward in support of the Internet Radio Equality Act.

These artists all have one thing in common: their careers depend on the promotional exposure that Internet radio provides for them, they recognize that unheard records are unsold records. These artists, and thousands more like them, are not shy about stepping forward to show support for the webcasting industry and its listenership. They are speaking up to ensure the future of independent artists and the music they make. Sadly, if the volume starts to go down on Internet radio on July 15th because of lack of congressional intervention these may very well be some of the voices that'll be silenced first."

The following is the complete text of the letter sent to Chairman Berman:

The Honorable Howard Berman
Chair, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property
Committee on the Judiciary
2221 Rayburn House Office Buildin
Washington, D.C. 20515

Re: The Internet Radio Royalty Increase Harms Artists
Dear Chairman Berman:

We are writing you to urge you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership and support to help save diversity and music on the Internet. As artists and supporters of small businesses that rely on Internet radio, we are extremely concerned that the recent decision by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) will mean the death of this wonderfully diverse and innovative medium. If Internet radio dies, hundreds of thousands of musicians will no longer have access to air time and a global fan base, millions of listeners will no longer be able to hear the music they want to hear, and thousands of small businesses will be forced into bankruptcy. Please don't let this happen.

The CRB's decision to increase sound recording royalty rates for Internet radio by 300 to 1200 percent means that royalty fees will exceed the revenues of most webcasters and they will have no choice but to let the music die. Literally.

As artists we value our music and the music of others, and we believe royalties are important. But if royalty rates are so high that webcasters go out of business, then we and other artists will suffer as well, as will the diverse music and the innovative spirit that makes Internet radio possible. We are asking you, Mr. Chairman, please think how the death of Internet radio would impact musicians and webcasters and listeners alike.

We respectfully request, Mr. Chairman, that Congress take action to prevent the demise of Internet radio. The new royalties go into effect July 15 so there is very little time; we hope you will help.

Sincerely yours,

For a complete list of the artists or more information about the SaveNetRadio coalition, visit http://www.savenetradio.org/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: SaveNetRadio

CONTACT: Jake Ward of SaveNetRadio, +1-202-420-8056

Web Site:

http://www.savenetradio.org/

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