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
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.
something you need to realize NPR is also threatened, and the foreign radios may get affected too if so, they may boycott all American music, then RIAA and US record industry will be a big loser
The outpouring from everyone has just been truly amazing. In the last 24 hours we have received so many emails from listeners and musicians alike. Alot of musicians that we play want to know what they need to do so we can stay online and keep playing their music!
I am proud to say that Celtic Radio listeners and members are some of the most outspoken, intelligent and compassionate lot of people I have ever seen in an online community! We are certainly indebted to your efforts to help us, help Celtic musicians and change music history!
Since June 26th, over 1 million people have contacted their congressperson or senator through email, letter and phone. That is an unbelievable outpouring - and one which congress can not ignore. That is the only reason why Soundexchange (RIAA) is even listening.
Hopefully momentum is building to pass the Internet Radio Equality Act. This sets royalty payments on par with Satellite Radio at around 7.5% of profit. Now remember that AM/FM radio pays 0% in royalty payments.
Yesterday was an unbelievable rollercoaster. Given all of the facts, news and information gathered I was ready to call it quits or atleast accept that it was truly the end of Celtic Radio coming very soon.
About 2 hours later I could not believe what I was reading, that Congress was forcing a meeting with Webcasters and Soundexchange. And then when the results broke I was convinced by the article that Internet Radio had been saved only to find later that this might have been a little premature. Still everything is looking promising and everyone needs to know that your calls, emails and letters are making a difference. Every single one!
We will keep a close eye on th current progress of this grassroots campaign at http://savenetradio.org. If anything major happens we will be sure to post it here.
Thank you so much for the hard work and dedication you have put forth to educate us and keep us informed as to the progress of this idiotic, evil endeavor to rip off the American people in yet another venue of free speech!
I am going to continue to wish, hope and pray that sanity will win out in this stupid battle. I may not have congressmen here in Canada, but I assure you that my thoughts have been made known through emails, petitions and contacting all the Americans I know to help. Outside the US we have virtually no voice in this, but we have just as much to lose.
Celtic Radio has been a wonderful addition (or is that addiction?) to my world and I truly thank Paul for his hard work in keeping us informed and I thank everyone who has taken the time to contact their representatives on this issue. Listeners from around the world are supporting you to the best of our abilities.
Still in the process of wording another heartfelt letter to my congressmen, hopefully my additional plea will help matters some.
Found a quote I think you may all like to use in your correspondence.
“Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it.”
John Lennon
Fight on my brothers and sisters! We shall win the battle yet!
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Senara-ism : Life is like a theatrical production only you get to be actor, director, and audience all at once. So break a leg, sit back and enjoy the show!
"When the waves are high and the light is dying, raise a glass and think of me..." -Gaelic Storm
Cha chòir dòrn a thoirt an aghaidh pòig. A kiss ought not to be met with a fist.
Thig crioch air an saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceòl. The world will pass away, but love and music last forever.
"I am a crazy, rabid squirrel! I want my cookies!" Hammy-Over the Hedge
I contacted my two senators via email last week with no problem but couldn't get to my congressman because there was some glitch in the website. I've contacted him previously on this subject so I felt that he had at least heard from me recently on it. I haven't received personalized responses but will let y'all know when I do.
I can tell you that it was with much trepidation that I logged onto live365 just now. I wondered if I was going to see a R.I.P. message. Thanks the heavens that y'all are still there - at least for now. I feel as though we are fighting this fight one day at a time.
I'll be hanging in there and waiting for news.
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Check out my new blog at www.dilettantesdilemma.blogspot.com Patti, The Celtic Pretentious Wombat
We received a very nice email today from the front office of Wolfstone. In addition to fully supporting our efforts and U.S. Internet Radio they sent this message to everyone:
"All the very best for the future and say a big hello to all your listeners from Wolfstone and hope to see them all when the band tour in the US of A again next year."
We will be monitoring the news this week and see what turns up. Thanks for everyones continued efforts.
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