Internet Radio

I learned this week about a decision made by a government committee that could increase the licensing/royalty fees charged to broadcast music over the Internet by almost 100%. This would be devastating to small broadcasters and would also make it impossible for me to start the EastCentralOhio.com radio station I've been working on for two months unless I went with an all talk format. It would definitely put the brakes on any of the sponsorship plans we've been working on.

If you're interested in trying to help save Internet radio sign your name to the petition at:

www.savenetradio.org

My name is on the list and I think that if you really believe in something you shouldn't be afraid to put your name on it. I think Internet radio provides a much needed service to people who like niche styles of music and raw/bare bones broadcasting. It gives small organizations and communities the ability to broadcast entertainment small groups without high fees. Unfortunately the music industry is a quagmire that has always seemed to take an "anti-listener/consumer/broadcaster" stance on things. They have the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) entrenched in Washington DC to lobby for them and we really don't have any highly paid lawyers to fight for small Internet broadcasters. The music industry, as with almost anything else in our country, is money first, people later.

Tom