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Celtic Radio Community > Celtic Radio > Save Net Radio Coalition |
Posted by: Macfive 05-Mar-2007, 07:17 PM | ||
Dear Friends, Members and Listeners: During the nearly 5 years that I have had the pleasure of building and running Celtic Radio I never thought that everything that we have worked so hard to create could be lost in a single moment. Yet that moment came last Friday when the http://www.loc.gov/crb/ announced new rates for Internet Radio Stations. Friends, if these rates go into effect it will basically kill off ALL independent and even big name internet radio sites like Live365. The RIAA has managed to have our own government's Copyright arm rubber stamp their own agenda which is an assault on all American people by their own legal system. Thousands of independent stations like Celtic Radio will be wiped off the scene and a new age of Corporate only radio sites will replace the community and creativiness that you have all come to know and love. The purpose of the new rates is to Kill off all independent radio stations in the U.S. and replace it with one big spam machine run by the RIAA. There will be no sites such as Celtic Radio where a person can find the comfort of good friendship, good music and a bit of sanity from this often cruel world. I am now asking that everyone please help us save this site and the many thousands others like it by contacting your congress and senate. This needs to be done ASAP because we only have 30 days to get this overturned. Please tell all of your family and friends, business associates, teachers, church families. Copy and paste this message in an email and ask them to help. Please visit this site for more information and links to write to congress and the senate. http://www.savenetradio.org/ We will not go down without a good fight! Ideas, Suggestions and thoughts are appreciated. UPDATE We will update this section as new links and resources become available. The following links are very important and you can help Internet Radio by visiting these links which include information, petitions and more: http://www.savethestreams.org/ http://www.saveourinternetradio.com/ http://www.petitiononline.com/SIR2007r/petition.html http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveinternetradio/ http://capwiz.com/congressorg/sbx/f/?aid=9461656&r=1 Follow up with a phone call: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt Example Text to use for Congress and Senate:
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Posted by: stevenpd 05-Mar-2007, 07:52 PM |
UNBELIEVEABLE! |
Posted by: itsmewendylee 05-Mar-2007, 08:06 PM |
Podcasters like myself will be next, no doubt. I limit myself to mainly independent artists who still own their own music and grant me individual permissions to play their music for no profit, which will give me a loophole in this specific action. But the fat cats of the RIAA will not be satisfied to stop at internet radio. College radio stations who archived their shows on the net have already been forced to take their archives down. Now they are after internet radio. Podcasters will be next. It's insane. How can this happen in a democratic, free-market society? I will pass along the info to everyone I know. WRITE IN, DEAR FRIENDS AND LISTENERS, WRITE IN! Wendy |
Posted by: Aaediwen 05-Mar-2007, 08:42 PM |
I am sending the following mail to several of my friends: A public service announcement from a friend. The corporate suits are at it again. It is not enough that they curtail your rights of fair use by locking your CDs and your computer files to self destruct like a audio tape from Mission Impossible. NO! They want to stamp out all competition! By eliminating Internet radio and thereby the venues where thousands of otherwise unknown independent artists get heard. This is not the first time that Internet Radio has been threatened. And every time, hundreds of wonderful stations are wiped off the Internet. Just because they play what people want to hear. Unless you want Internet radio to be controlled by Clear Channel, and every Internet radio station be be like MTV ("I remember when you could actually hear good music on the Internet."), then please. Help to take a stand. If the corporate suits can do this to Internet Radio, you can bet that popular sites such as Myspace and Youtube where so many hang out, will go the way of the Dodo as well. If this is allowed, then before long there will be no place where anyone who has not signed their rights away in blood can legally be heard. http://www.savenetradio.org/ my friends, now to be fair I have not had a chance yet to peruse the documentation on this issue in detail. One thing I did catch in it though is that supposedly noone will say just how much (or how little) the terrestrial stations pay in royalties. Makes me suspicious right there. That there is nothing to compare these numbers too. Also, someone want to tell me how THEY could be expected to pay like this?? Per listener per song played?? Unless there is some way that an AM or FM station can know how many people are tuned in at any time considering any device with a coil of wire can pick up their signal. |
Posted by: Lady of the Loch 05-Mar-2007, 08:53 PM |
Sending this out to everyone I know ASAP! |
Posted by: Sekhmet 05-Mar-2007, 09:18 PM |
Good gods, here we go again. Spamming my friends as we speak... |
Posted by: Macfive 05-Mar-2007, 09:23 PM |
Well, I wrote to my congressman and both senators Kennedy and Kerry. Basically, if the RIAA has its way then small to medium webcasters would pay 125% of the their revenue. So, you would have to pay more than you actually make to cover their fees! This is just not about Celtic Radio, but thousands of other sites like Celtic Radio. Radio Paradise is another site that you can visit for more information http://www.radioparadise.com. Its run by a husband / wife team. And its not just about internet radio, if an entity such as the RIAA can basically buy their way into congress and the copyright board, then what else is possible? 3 Years ago this happened, and a big push happened that got congress involved. I'd say that we have an even bigger voice now with more listeners and broadcasters. If everyone writes and calls their congress and senate we can make a difference and support all of the great musical groups out there the the RIAA wants to suck dry. But beyond this issue, it just seems that corporations are getting bigger, stronger and controlling more and more of America. What are we going to do someday when there is little choice left and all of the good jobs have been outsourced over seas to cheap labor? What will be left for our kids? There is an underlying theme to this all and it is about big business and big corporations. Just keep on stepping on us and you will be sorry you woke up a generation that has the power to change your strangle hold on America. It can happen! |
Posted by: haynes9 05-Mar-2007, 09:26 PM |
We're with you, Paul! I will get this to everyone on my list! |
Posted by: Sekhmet 05-Mar-2007, 09:42 PM |
Took me ten minutes to figure out which "issue" (required choice if I wanted to send an email to my revered Senator) this fell under, so I picked things like "anti-trust" and "legislative changes" and hoped for the best. |
Posted by: stevenpd 05-Mar-2007, 10:40 PM |
Contacted my representatives and the Copyright Royalty Board. Will press on other fronts as well. |
Posted by: itsmewendylee 06-Mar-2007, 07:08 AM |
Great Public Service Announcements to be inserted into the broadcast schedule of small internet radio stations. Trying to figure which might work best in my show! http://webcastersunite.net/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=2 W |
Posted by: John Clements 06-Mar-2007, 07:49 AM |
Hi Mcfive, I have sent the following letter to my senators here in NJ. If it sounds treating, that’s because I meant it to be. The time to stop talking, and to start take acting is right around the corner. Save Internet Radio, This increase in royalty fees being levied on Internet Radio is just more extortion being perpetrated by the international corporations. To allow this increase to happen simply means that you are my enemy. So don’t expect to get my vote ever again. Not that I trusted the vote to begin with. The battle for freedom is not in Iraq, or any place else in the world. It’s right here and now. So go a head and allow internet radio to be extorted, and well see what happens. John Clements PS: My issue choice was… CRIME |
Posted by: sisterknight 06-Mar-2007, 08:06 AM |
this so sucks...i'm letting all my extended family in the us now about this....i'm hoping my cuz with nasa might help, keep your fingers crossed, when she gets going there is no stopping her!! |
Posted by: Rindy 06-Mar-2007, 10:50 AM |
This is terrible news. I will pass the news around. Slainte |
Posted by: valpal 59 06-Mar-2007, 11:42 AM |
Just sent an email to our representative. Hope he will listen. |
Posted by: Lady Jeanetta 06-Mar-2007, 12:02 PM |
Sent an email to my congressman and informed my friends and family of this injustice... If enough of us take action, we will have an impact on these criminals. |
Posted by: blackcloud1129 06-Mar-2007, 12:08 PM |
I contacted my Rep. Lets hope this works |
Posted by: stoirmeil 06-Mar-2007, 12:16 PM |
Everyone seems to be placing the emphasis on free-market vs corporate monopoly. Don't you think there's an issue of controlling communications alternatives for political and security reasons too? |
Posted by: Sekhmet 06-Mar-2007, 05:12 PM |
Of course there is. But if those topics get mentioned, there's a tendency for those who are voted in to think we're associated or in sympathy with those guys who like to blow things up. But yer damned right it has something to do with control of media for those purposes as well. |
Posted by: Macfive 06-Mar-2007, 05:40 PM | ||
Please see my first message posted in this thread. I have added important links, online petitions and example text to use when writing or calling the congress and senate. You can forward these on to your friends, family and associates. Thanks again for everyones support. We will be having some promos play on the broadcast soon that will get the message out. The more people write and call the congress the better chance we have. This is really our only option. It is in the hands of congress at this point. UPDATE We will update this section as new links and resources become available. The following links are very important and you can help Internet Radio by visiting these links which include information, petitions and more: http://www.savethestreams.org/ http://www.saveourinternetradio.com/ http://www.petitiononline.com/SIR2007r/petition.html http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveinternetradio/ http://capwiz.com/congressorg/sbx/f/?aid=9461656&r=1 Follow up with a phone call: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt Example Text to use for Congress and Senate:
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Posted by: rhatcher1313 06-Mar-2007, 06:01 PM |
To Paul & all faithful members, & guests here. PLEASE take a few moments to click on the link, on first post. It will easily guide you to a direct link to your congressman. The only way to make anything happen,(AS IN NOT LOSING CELTIC RADIO), is if YOU send A STRONG message to your congressman, let them know, how outrageous this is. If you passively do nothing, most assurably, this legislation, if passed, will effectively kill THIS STATION ! So, please, go to link, read what's going on, then, it will guide you to your congressman. Slainte, rhatcher1313 |
Posted by: Macfive 06-Mar-2007, 06:56 PM |
Thank you everyone for your support and guidance during this time. I have been reading that a follow up call to your congressman's office makes an even bigger impression, so I plan on doing that too. Highlander Radio will start to play informational plugs on how to Save Internet Radio. We are going to have these played every 2 hours. I know they are distracting, but it is something we have to do. I'd also like to thank StevenPD for leaving a message on the call-in line with some great information. As always, thank you Steven! |
Posted by: stevenpd 06-Mar-2007, 09:02 PM |
FREEDOM! |
Posted by: haynes9 06-Mar-2007, 09:32 PM |
Sent an email to both Senators and my Rep. Followed up today with phone calls to all three offices. Will give it the rest of this week and then make a follow up call Monday. We HAVE to keep the pressure on! Folks, if you love Highlander Radio, do your best! Call, write, email. Time is limited so we must do what we can now! Thanks Paul and Steven for leading the charge. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 06-Mar-2007, 10:12 PM |
Signed the petition, sent a copy of your first posting, along with some comments to my entire email address book. I will also post it on a couple of ren sites as they tend to be very vocal on issues where freedom of choice is inhibited. (especially the wenches). I live in a town where we have nothing but two corporate radio stations playing the same recycled top 40 garbage day after day. We can actually set our clocks to certain songs. Trust me they will drive you insane after the first couple days. We found the Sirius and XM do the same thing same songs just about every day except no commercials. Please dear God in heaven do not let this pass. Otherwise I will have to leave the country. |
Posted by: stevenpd 06-Mar-2007, 11:19 PM | ||
Here's a tidbit I found over at Live365:
One more name to the list to contact. Here's the http://www.copyright.gov/help/general-form.html |
Posted by: gcw57 07-Mar-2007, 12:59 AM |
Who says money can't buy government? What a total crock of hooey! Would the IRS agree to pay you 125% of your tax refund? I don't think so. I know a Canadian voice won't help much as I could only legally sign the first petition, the rest excluded all non-US residents. I will forward the information to my friends in the US of A! Keep up the good fight! |
Posted by: Shadows 07-Mar-2007, 07:56 AM |
Macfive, I have used every means posted here as well as speaking directly with 2 of my Reps that are my neighbors! I have been assured that this issue is being scrutinized closely by them and they will do what ever it takes to make it right. Shadows |
Posted by: sisterknight 07-Mar-2007, 08:18 AM |
god forbid it goes through, but can higlander radio come to canada?or scotland?or ireland?or germany?...i mean CR also has international listeners as well....so your gouvernment is cutting off it's nose to spite it's collective face. it's too bad that all those petitions can't be signed by all listeners sorry, it's just frustrating not really being able to get involved.. |
Posted by: valpal 59 07-Mar-2007, 09:43 AM |
Sent emails to the Senators today. |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 10:28 AM | ||
Those optioins have / are being looked at by many webcasters as a possible solution. But they are not holding out much hope. Oh but you can help! Spread the word to everyone you know. Write to the US Ambassador or Consulate in your country. Voice your opinion! Let them know that it is not just an "American" problem. Write to the record labels and the musicians themselves, let your voice be heard. |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 12:13 PM | ||
This article explains the situation quite nicely.
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Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 12:30 PM | ||
Here's a little more light on their dirty little secret.
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070304/223155.shtml Here is a direct link to the http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/030207/index.shtml that explains more of the insidious subtlety of what is happening. |
Posted by: Lady of the Loch 07-Mar-2007, 01:55 PM |
Thanks for the article Steven. I also signed the petition#1 today and noticed that since I signed it this morning, ( and just made my fiance sign it) there are almost 3,000 more signartures! |
Posted by: katcynth 07-Mar-2007, 02:22 PM |
This blows. This is where I find out about artists I would have never known exsisted! The artists should be complaining too, the ones who will make the money are the already big names... You aren't going to hear Ceann or Clann au Drumma anywhere on the corporate stations I would have never heard of them unless I would have somehow stumbled onto to them... Celticradio.net saves me from having to look for artists I love... What a shame...Flat out greed going on here... I am going to snail-mail my representative... since the loser doesn't have an email... |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 03:17 PM | ||||
They've been working on this for awhile . . .
http://www.soundexchange.com/artist_home.html#artist This is from the SoundExchange, these are the collectors of the fees, which is an arm of RIAA. |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 03:29 PM | ||
Here's another bit of news directly related to the issue at hand. Headlined' "RIAA Opposes Fair Use" bill.
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Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 03:43 PM | ||||
Sorry to be posting in such a fashion, but I think it is important. Here is a little more about the bill. It was just introduced Feb 27, 2007 and has to go through committe berfore it gets voted on. In committee, the current bill can change. Even when it gets to the floor, it can be changed again before it is voted on.
Rep. Boucher's http://www.boucher.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1011&Itemid=75
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c110:10:./temp/~c110Zh8L8h:: |
Posted by: Macfive 07-Mar-2007, 05:19 PM |
Wow, what a day! First, I would like to thank StevenPD for being a wealth of knowledge in posting all of this excellent material. Thank you Steven!! Second, I am happy to report that the "listener wave" is starting to build and it appears it is having an effect. You are all directly responsible, along with other listeners at sites like Celtic Radio, for raising this issue in the press and in congress. Please read today's issue of RAIN (Radio and Internet Newsletter). http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/030707/index.shtml#C_story "Mainstream press outlets have begun to latch onto the severity and importance of the CRB ruling, providing robust coverage of the ruling's mandates and how the decision stands to silence the majority of the Webcasting community." Today there was a congressional subcommittee hearing on Telecommunications and the Internet - the topic was "Digital Future of the United States: The Future of Radio." I am trying to get a link to the text of the meeting, but here are some of the players that are in our camp: The Digital Media Association (DiMA), a trade organization for major online audio and video content providers like AOL, Apple, Live365, RealNetworks, Microsoft, and Pandora. Moving Highlander Radio to a different country may not solve this problem as those countries have made "pacts" with the RIAA to prevent just a thing. Unless Congress does something to change this ruling, then we will need to shutdown our operation. Watch developements with Live365 as we are tied to their network. |
Posted by: MDF3530 07-Mar-2007, 05:24 PM |
I contacted Senators Durbin and Obama and my congressman. |
Posted by: Senara 07-Mar-2007, 06:01 PM |
Hey guys...wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten ya. Good thing I checked in when I did. I'll be drafting a very carefully worded letter to Congressman Sensenbrenner, and Senators Kohl and Feingold this weekend. Don't have much time this week to sit down and do it but should have a moment to think on Saturday. Have been telling my friends about the low-down sneaky trick and they're looking into it as well. "They can take our lives but they can't take our FREEDOM" ( they should have known better to mess with the listening habits of the irish and scotch!) |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 06:07 PM |
Here is the http://energycommerce.house.gov/membios/contact_form.shtml for the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. these are the folks that are having hearings on the issue. There was one today. I couldn't find any info onthe next one. |
Posted by: Senara 07-Mar-2007, 06:07 PM |
oh shoot I just had an idea... why don't we pick a date like say next friday Mar. 16th and a time like say 1pm and have everyone call their respective representatives to wish them a Happy St. Patrick's Day and then also mention that we wish to oppose the new royalty proposals. What ya think? It could be something just here for CR or maybe spread the word? You think they'd hear us if we flooded the phone lines in Washington? |
Posted by: Macfive 07-Mar-2007, 07:42 PM | ||
This is a great idea. Maybe we will have a theme to go along with St. Patrick's Day........ We will be contacting all musicians before this date and also all members. |
Posted by: Macfive 07-Mar-2007, 08:25 PM |
After reading all of the information that Steven posted I found myself at a new website called: Broadcast Log Blog Its published by Davis, Wright, Tremaine - which appears to be an Internet Radio Friendly Law Firm. After reading their most recent post, I am encouraged that in the event that small webcasters are shutdown in the U.S. - we could resurrect Highlander Radio. http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/archives/internet-radio-what-next-for-internet-radio-in-light-of-the-copyright-royalty-board-decision.html Any comments or help with this matter would be greatly appreciated - especially from those legal minds out there! |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Mar-2007, 08:43 PM |
Excellent article! I'm going to take some time to digest it, because during my research the three main ways of keeping going were suggested to one degree or another. Highlander Radio isn't dead yet, so let's not have any talk about it dieing. |
Posted by: Macfive 07-Mar-2007, 08:47 PM | ||
Here Here..... Actually the next few days we are going to be talking about winners of our February Contest and also what we have up for grabs on St. Patrick's Day. I can tell you there will be a substantial amount of prizes on that day! |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 07-Mar-2007, 08:57 PM |
Speaking of musicians is anyone able to email the Brobdingnagian Bards about this. They have a large following on the internet and the Ren faire circuit. I wasn't able to. My server listed the message as spam and wouldn't send it. |
Posted by: Sekhmet 07-Mar-2007, 09:34 PM |
I haven't seen Marc pop his head up in awhile... |
Posted by: Macfive 07-Mar-2007, 10:02 PM |
I think Marc is on our musician list and we plan on letting all of our musicians know about this issue sometime this month. Ok, more good news. Key Democrat Rep. Edward Markey had harsh words for the ruling released by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board: http://news.com.com/New+Net+radio+rules+draw+fire+on+Capitol+Hill/2100-1028_3-6165336.html And he is from my home state! Let's keep the pressure up. There seems to be a number of issues in Congress about digital media that could benefit from all of the listener involvement. |
Posted by: Sekhmet 08-Mar-2007, 01:34 PM |
Guh, they're more worried about XM and Sirius merging and making a monopoly. A concern, of course...but satellite radio sucks anyway. ::cough:: I was talking with my husband over lunch about this whole thing, and we've now begun to wonder why it seems that internet radio seems to be getting hit with *punitive* costs rather than anything that would even remotely resemble fair costs for royalty payments. At least from here, particularly with the whole ridiculous mess being *retroactive* no less...it seems there's some sort of punishment involved. Why? |
Posted by: stevenpd 08-Mar-2007, 03:20 PM |
It appears that the "music" industry can't keep up with technology. With the advent of peer-to-peer networks that made it very difficult to track who copied what music and the current concern of "ripping" music streams, RIAA wants somebody to pay. They are looking at the internet as an evil, untapped resource. They seem to look at webcasting as something that is counter to their goals. But what they fail to realize is webcasting is actually revitalizing the music industry with a healthy dose of competition. John Q. Public is no longer satisfied with traditional radio. He finds it bland and unappealing. Too much fluff (i.e. commercials) and not enough substance (i.e. music). Additionally the quality of music, dependant upon the listener, is not appealing to the masses. Then there is the issue of selection. How many times do you want to listen to the top 40? There is no diversity. In comes the internet and webcasters. WHAM! You have selection, a relative quality and diversity in the music. If you don't like something, you don't have to listen to it, you simply go to another webcast. In essence, a free market in music. The internet has yet to be fully harnessed due to its property of being so nebulas. Commercial radio is the opposite. Webcasters do not need hundreds of thousands of dollars to broadcast. It can be started by the guy down the street with a computer and an internet connection, throw in some good software and voila, a webcast. Left to its own devices, the webcast swims or sinks on its own merits. In the grand scheme of things, webcasters are the orphaned childern of broadcasting. They are tolerated like buzzing flies. Larger corporatioins like Sirrius and XM with their technology, are a little different. Its easier to hit an elephant than a fly. These elephants can be dangerous too, especially if they get a running start. What better way to assure you get your pound of flesh than to go after the elephants, the flies will be taken care as part of the hunt on the elephants and the whole issue being taken care of in one fell swoop. The myopic morons at RIAA do not want to update their business model to embrace anything new. They are still stuck on trying to figure out what has happened to the music industry overall. RIAA will tell you that they are fighting against copyright infringement and piracy. Instead of dealing with the root causes (bootlegs of entire albums, etc.) they attack the problem with a sledge hammer and can't quite understand why they can't nail down quicksilver. Their current response is to lump everyone and everything into one ball and plead ignorance of any possible solutions to the problem. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 08-Mar-2007, 04:01 PM |
That this is and has been an issue is amazing. I can buy any piece of clothing with any logo on it, wear a few hundred times, and then either give it away or sell at a rumage sale and no one gives a fiddlers fart. I take one little crappy top 40 cd and buy it brand new or from some used Cd store (cuz I can't afford what the industry charges for its plastic and tin foil plates) and when I get tired of it and want to resell what I've already paid once for, I am suddenly branded a crook. The whole thing sounds like the suits would like to have some sort of fee charged every time a piece of music changes hands. Opps sorry, you took that half note from my song-you owe me a quarter. Just plain old greed. This is going to turn me into criminal yet. |
Posted by: Sekhmet 08-Mar-2007, 04:34 PM |
Historically, this is the same spasm they had when blank cassettes came out. And when VCRs came out. You'd think after thirty years or so they'd get the idea... |
Posted by: Macfive 08-Mar-2007, 07:49 PM |
Some excellent reading here, I enjoyed these comments and all so true. Steven you hit the nail on the head! Some other points I would like to make: The RIAA is going after music downloaders, usually children, by suing their parents, grandparents or children themselves. In most cases, these are not pirates or hackers, just everyday people. So again, using OUR legal system for their own purpose. Using it against us! They should be going after the services that provide these illegal downloads. Just how many times do I need to purchase a song. We bought the same song (some of us) on a Record, then 8-track, then cassette, then CD and then we downloaded it from iTunes! We just keep purchasing the same material over and over again. The RIAA says stream ripping is a major problem. This is completely wrong. Who has the time to install special software, wait for a song to come on and record that song and edit the tags and audio track. I know for myself I would rather spend the .99 for the track if I really wanted it from iTunes. I would like to see the proof that this is a problem. Also, what is the difference between this and recording a song from the FM dial onto a recordable DVD player? And finally, a comment that I think needs to be explored in more detail. Out of all of the illegal downloaders, how much $$$ is the RIAA really losing? Chances are those people downloading the tracks illegally would have never purchased the music legally. So, instead they make all of the people playing by the rules and purchasing music pay for the very small percentage of people downloading illegally. Its all about control. Kinda like if you try and control your children, eventually they grow up and blaze their own trails. You can't control them forever...... You know, just a thought but perhaps it is all of the corporations in America that are giving us a bad name around the Globe. You can not argue that we as Americans are some of the most generous individuals on the planet......can you imagine what other countries think of the RIAA.... |
Posted by: Rindy 08-Mar-2007, 07:54 PM |
Very good point Macfive. What do you think of the idea of us posting the urls and such on our my space? Good or Bad idea? Most of mine are bands and it may cause a big response. Slainte |
Posted by: Aaediwen 08-Mar-2007, 08:27 PM |
I've already posted some of the URLs from here in bullatins on MySpace. I have also made a point to add, that if this goes through, then podcasts and anywhere else where average joe can post media (even of his own creation), are next on the list. which includes MySpace and YouTube. They will be no more very soon if the RIAA gets away with this. |
Posted by: Rindy 08-Mar-2007, 08:31 PM |
Thanks Aaediwen. Ok I will do that. What a mess huh? Ok got to copy some urls etc. Thanks for answering...see what happens I guess we can always remove them. Have a nice night..Slainte |
Posted by: haynes9 08-Mar-2007, 08:44 PM |
This is great reading. I trust that it will make a difference. Thanks to everyone for posting. I feel a lot more up to speed on what the real issues here are. I am planing on following up (a civil way of harassing) call to my elected officials next week. I want each of them to make a public stand on this issue. Certainly, this is not a conservative vs. liberal issue. It affects all of us who appreciate the opportunity to choose where we get our media information and entertainment from. Keep hounding your elected officials! Have a great day! |
Posted by: Rindy 08-Mar-2007, 08:46 PM |
Good for you haynes. Well I am off to post all this somewhere on my space. May not fit...may take some time. I will definetly post it on Clann An Drummas site. Slainte |
Posted by: Macfive 09-Mar-2007, 07:27 AM |
Yes, this issue should just not cover internet radio. It should cover podcasts and also consumer protection. I agree, once they knock off internet radio - they will set their sites on Podcasts and consumers. |
Posted by: itsmewendylee 09-Mar-2007, 12:19 PM |
Although most podcasters are non-profit hobbyists, which means we are exempt from "tax" because we aren't making an income, we know the RIAA is after us as well, using copyright and distribution law to figure out how to wipe us all out. Thus I feel a solidarity with my web radio bretheren, and I also happen to love LISTENING to web radio, so this has been a big deal for me! There are plenty of illegal podcasts out there (playing music without permission,) but there are also alot of us playing by the rules- like me! First off, I did send this to Marc, who is so busy lately he's just drowning in stuff. As a podcaster, like me, he isn't directly affected, but, as a lover of internet radio and a musician whose main avenue of reaching the market is internet radio and podcasting, he will be heavily affected, so I'm sure he's keeping tabs! Second- I already blogged about this on my myspace site and urge everyone who has a myspace site to do so! I also copied my blog and sent it out as a bulletin. Third- finally got around to creating a whole page for the issue on my side. Yeah, I blatantly cut and pasted most of it. It was quickest way to get it out there, and time is of the essence. http://web.mac.com/elmhead/iWeb/Cleveland%20Celtic%20Podcast/Save%20Internet%20Radio%21.html Hope it helps! Wendy |
Posted by: stevenpd 09-Mar-2007, 02:40 PM | ||
The more people know about this obscene situation, the better! I was just reading an article where it is projected that, in the end, webcasters would be paying about 10 times more than terrestial radio! They're projecting that SoundExchange will have revenues of $2.3 billion.
Here's the http://www.betanews.com/article/Dissecting_the_Proposed_Internet_Radio_Royalty_Fees/1173391352/1 The article is fairly detailed financial analysis of the fees, but the charts are clear. We just have to keep the pressure up. More knowledgable sources than I are concluding that this is a blatant attempt to monopolize the music industry. If RIAA gets away with this now, then its a matter of time before they go after the podcasters. |
Posted by: John Clements 09-Mar-2007, 04:21 PM |
I can remember how suggested that CR could move to Scotland, rather then being extorted out of business, but it’s not a bad idea. I might even join you, should it come to that. Don’t give up the ship. JC |
Posted by: Macfive 09-Mar-2007, 07:18 PM |
Thanks again for everyone's support! And thank you Wendy for the plug and words of advice. Falling developments closely. Alot of the outcome depends on what happens to Live365 - our broadcast provider. While I've read some articles that are promising, I've also read that there just may not be enough time for congress to act. The ramnifications of this goes beyond internet radio. Think of all of the bandwidth providers, people developing broadcast tools, software, website design, audio trailers - even independent musicians themselves depend upon internet radio to broadcast their content. You are talking about an industry that creates jobs and probably puts millions of dollars into the economy. You kill Internet Radio and you also kill jobs too! |
Posted by: Dreamer1 10-Mar-2007, 12:32 PM |
Okay, I've emailed all of our family, friends, and our State Rep. and Senators (Kennedy and Kerry). Our daughters are sending emails to all of their friends, to be passed along to their parents! I've signed all the petitions I could find, too. This is an intolerable and unthinkable attack on our freedom, and must not be allowed to stand! Hang on Paul - we're all fighting for you, and for all of internet radio! Dreamer1 |
Posted by: stevenpd 10-Mar-2007, 02:38 PM | ||
Timing seems to be the biggest issue in question. first round appeals can be filed within 30 days and secondary appeals within ninety days. I think that with all of the hoopla that has been created, everything will be put on hold until more hearings can be done. In other words, until they can figure a graceful way of back pedaling out of this mess. |
Posted by: itsmewendylee 10-Mar-2007, 03:38 PM | ||
Let's hope you are right! |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 10-Mar-2007, 06:52 PM |
So far about 100+ people have viewed the message I posted on the two Ren boards. Not much but its a start. I'll post on some of the larger ones tonight and anywhere else I can think of. |
Posted by: stevenpd 11-Mar-2007, 11:43 AM |
Let's just keep the pressure up. Every little bit helps! With enough drips, we can fill a bucket. |
Posted by: Sekhmet 11-Mar-2007, 12:36 PM |
...you callin' me a drip, Steve? |
Posted by: stevenpd 11-Mar-2007, 12:41 PM |
Yes, consider yourself a drip and together we can fill a bucket. |
Posted by: haynes9 11-Mar-2007, 05:01 PM |
Proud to be a Highlander Radio Drip! |
Posted by: stevenpd 12-Mar-2007, 01:37 PM | ||
A ray of hope? Are the drips winning?
|
Posted by: podkod 12-Mar-2007, 04:01 PM |
OK. I emailed Hatch, Bennett and Bishop. KOD |
Posted by: podkod 12-Mar-2007, 04:03 PM |
Even though I am only a peasant. ;) |
Posted by: Aaediwen 12-Mar-2007, 05:53 PM |
A peasant drip is just as meaningful Thank you for the help |
Posted by: Macfive 12-Mar-2007, 05:53 PM | ||
Since your a Celtic Radio Founder, you can change that in your control panel! BTW, here is an excellent resource page on Live365 that has suggested wording to write congress and a bunch of other useful info: http://www.live365.com/info/royalties.html |
Posted by: CelticAngus 13-Mar-2007, 07:36 AM |
Letter Have Been Sent to all members of Congress & Just sent an email to our representatives. We need to keep Internet Radio Alive! Angel Blessings CelticAngus[FONT=Geneva][COLOR=MediumOrchid] |
Posted by: stevenpd 13-Mar-2007, 08:06 AM |
Every Highlander drip counts! |
Posted by: haynes9 13-Mar-2007, 09:19 AM |
Dripped again this morning! Called Senators Kyl and McCain and Congressman Renzi. The staffers I spoke to indicated that they had been getting some email on the subject, so it seems that the message is getting through at least. Now it remains to be seen what the response will be. Everyone keep dripping! Proud to be a Highlander Drip! And as of 10:50 AM (MDT) this morning, there are 18,470 signatures on the petition at Save Internet Radio! |
Posted by: normancelt 13-Mar-2007, 02:24 PM |
Fellow lovers of Celtic Music, I have submitted my name to the petition to stop this madness. I have heard artists that I didn't even knew existed. We have to keep the independent internet radio stations available to all who want listen. I will spread the word to all of my friends that love independent radio. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 13-Mar-2007, 05:16 PM |
In related news I see Viacom has decided to sue Goggle for 1 billion over Copyright infringment. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/ViacomSuesYouTube.aspx?GT1=9215 |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 13-Mar-2007, 05:21 PM |
Mac, could you post that resource page here in the forum. My computer just gives me a big white screen with a blue top border on that page. Still hav'nt figured out the problem from last October between my comp and the Live 365 website. |
Posted by: stevenpd 13-Mar-2007, 06:59 PM | ||
Keep dripping!
http://www.linuxjournal.com/node/1000196 The article is rather lengthly but chock full of good information. The very gentleman that wrote the basic fee structure when he was working for Yahoo indicates that he was TRYING TO DESTROY INTERNET RADIO! The word is getting out. Recently saw an article from the UKabout the situation! We just have to keep the pressure up. |
Posted by: Dade 13-Mar-2007, 07:21 PM |
Signed the petition |
Posted by: Macfive 13-Mar-2007, 07:34 PM | ||
I might not be thinking with the mainstream here, but to me I think alot of these big media companies just don't get it. The best thing that could ever happen to their shows is for clips to show on Google Video and You Tube. Thats got to be some of the best advertising possible! Again, the big media companies just don't get it. But you have to look at the people running these companies. It is all about MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!! MORE MORE MORE!! Whatever happen to the love of music, the love of acting - doing something because you love to do it and getting paid for it! Its the artists and musicians that are getting the raw end of the deal here. How can I best say this. A number of years ago my path crossed with a person that currently runs one of the largest media companies in the world. We are talking name-brand. It is actually laughable how he ever got to the position he is in now. Lets just say that it was not even his family's line of business. I don't know, I guess I just don't get it. I would think that media companies would be run by people that actually worked in the business. Not someone that acquires companies for a living! All these lawsuites, copyright infringements, court suits - we are stifling innovation and creativiness. Now I realize we need to have copyright protection to protect artists work, but I really think we have gone too far and a backlash is growing that could potentially threaten the grasp these corporate media companies have on America and the World for that matter. |
Posted by: Aaediwen 13-Mar-2007, 08:03 PM | ||
Ya know, this is EXACTLY what is needed! We need copyright protection to protect the artists and their work from Pirates. . . . Pirates that sit behind a desk stealing copyrights and royalties from Artists and consitiutional rights from everyone else. |
Posted by: Elspeth 15-Mar-2007, 04:12 AM |
Signed the petition and e-mailed Rep. Betty Sutton and Senators George Voinovich and Sherrrod Brown. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Music! drip.... drip.... drip.... Have to think this puts the artists in a rock and hard place situation. In fighting for exposure at this stage of their careers do they jeopordize their futures? I would think the fear of being blackballed by mega-corporation radio is very real. PS... up to over 21,000 signatures. |
Posted by: stevenpd 17-Mar-2007, 11:04 AM |
Keep on dripping! They'll get the message! |
Posted by: pretentiouswombat 17-Mar-2007, 12:11 PM |
I wrote to Representative John Linder from Georgia and I'm going to email friends and family about this issue. |
Posted by: Garden Fairy 17-Mar-2007, 01:33 PM |
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=14][COLOR=Green] I sent an email to the Pennsylvania Congressmen. I hope they hear our voice through all the other hot topics on the Hill that catch the TV news. Has anyone contacted (emailed) any of the network or cable news channels about this? I'll bet Keith Olbermann would have a field day with this issue. Maybe the RIAA could become one of the "Worst Person of the Day", they sure deserve it. Happy St Patrick's Day, Garden Fairy |
Posted by: Aaediwen 17-Mar-2007, 02:57 PM |
Drip... Drip... Dripped yesterday. and then turned around and left my first message on the call in line about it. |
Posted by: rhatcher1313 17-Mar-2007, 05:23 PM |
Happy St. Patrick's Day ! I have also had letters forwarded by my congressman, Virgil H. Goode Jr., who also shares the same concerns about the CRB's decision, to the interim chief of CRB. Here is his address, Mr. Bruce G. Forrest, Interim Chief Copyright Royalty Board Library of Congress PO Box 70977 Washington, DC 20024-0977 So, dear members, please also mail a letter of concern to this gentleman also. I have become quite a political-activist this March. I cannot count how many letters, calls, spamming All my friends, contacts, etc., this month. I'm sure that all members have been doing the same! Keep up the good fight! Also, please, let Macfive know how much you appreciate this wonderful site & station! Also, yesterday, have been "flooding" the switch-boards in DC. Gonna have a large phone bill, this month. It will be worth every bit spent, when we win this battle! Thanks again! Slainte, rhatcher1313 |
Posted by: parkers1 19-Mar-2007, 09:50 PM |
Aye - What Next, this is getting the support it should, from all us that listen but I think there also needs to be air time spent on this issue!!!!!!!! |
Posted by: haynes9 20-Mar-2007, 09:29 AM |
Saw this article on The Drudge Report. Seems like the word is getting out. Broadcasters Challenge Streaming Rules Monday March 19, 7:12 pm ET By Seth Sutel, AP Business Writer Radio Stations and Online Broadcasters Challenge Copyright Ruling on Internet Royalties NEW YORK (AP) -- A wide array of broadcasters and online companies on Monday challenged a ruling from a panel of copyright judges that they say could cripple the emerging business of offering music broadcasts over the Internet. Clear Channel Communications Inc., National Public Radio, and groups representing both large and small companies providing music broadcasts online were among those asking the Copyright Royalty Board to reconsider key parts of its March 2 ruling. That ruling, the challenging parties say, would greatly increase the amount of royalties that online music broadcasters would have to pay to record labels and performers as well as put unreasonable demands on them to track how many songs were listened to by exactly how many individuals online. The royalties in question only apply to digital transmissions of music, such as through Web sites, and are paid to the performers of songs and record labels. Webcasters also pay additional royalties to the composers and publishers of music, similar to those also paid by over-the-air broadcasters. Digital performance rights were originally granted to record companies in 1995, in part with the intention of protecting them against the possibility that digital transmissions could erode the sales of CDs. Under a previous arrangement, which expired at the end of 2005, broadcasters and online companies such as Yahoo Inc. and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL unit could pay royalties based on estimates of how many songs were played over a given period of time, or a "tuning hour," as opposed to counting every single song. Jonathan Potter, the executive director of the Digital Media Association, which represents major online companies affected by the decision, asked that the judges specifically allow a per-tuning-hour approximation measure for paying the royalties. Potter also asked the judges to clarify a $500 annual fee per broadcasting channel, saying that with some online companies offering many thousands of listening options, counting each one as a separate channel could lead to huge fees for online broadcasters. NPR argued in its filing Monday that the new rules would have "crippling effects" on public radio's ability to meet its mandate of serving the public interest, and it also objected to the $500 per-channel minimum fee. A group of commercial broadcasters including San Antonio, Texas-based Clear Channel, the largest radio company in the country, also asked for a reconsideration of key parts of the ruling, saying that the methods used to calculate the fees were faulty. The motions filed Monday covered relatively technical aspects of the ruling and mark the first of what is likely to be other legal challenges to the decision. NPR said in its filing that it also intended, in due course, to appeal the overall decision by the copyright judges to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. A previous agreement covering small commercial webcasters, which also expired at the end of 2005, allowed those companies to pay a flat rate of 12 percent of annual revenues in lieu of calculating the total number of listener-hours as larger broadcasters and Web companies were required to. The ruling makes no such provision, something that those companies are asking the judges to reconsider. SoundExchange, an entity that collects royalties from digital music broadcasters and distributes them to rights holders, has said the ruling was fair and that the rapid growth in advertising revenues from online music broadcasting would more than allow webcasters to cover the new fees. SoundExchange pointed to research finding that those ad revenues grew from $50 million in 2003 to $500 million last year. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 22-Mar-2007, 03:39 PM |
Bit of sad news. This was posted over at Atthefaire.com but its probably on Renradio's main site. Sad to see it go. Ren radio was were i first heard of this station. Keep on driping people. The water pressure might force the cork out so the waters can flow free again. Renradio has been broadcasting since 1999. I've fought and worked hard to keep it on the net and free. I have made many compromises as big business has tried to push the small web casters out of business and control what you listen to just like terrestrial radio and satellite radio. I never wanted to compete with them I just wanted to listen to the music I like and share it with the few others that like it too. Over the years Renradio went from something I set up to play with and listen to at work to peak at 3 stream station with over a thousand listeners. I was voted as one of the best Celtic and Folk station on Yahoo. I don't play Pop music or anything mainstream but the RIAA and big record labels still wanted (more) money. I joined Live365 the 1st time the RIAA raised the rates so I could keep playing even though I had to let them insert commercials and take a vow of poverty and not make any money off the station. Not that I ever intended to. It was a hobby, it was for fun. I made so many new friends, met so many new artist. I gained a bit of notoriety and fame within our community as "Rengeek the owner of Renradio". It got me free beers and plenty of thanks and compliments. And to my amazement people donated money and their talents to keep this thing going. Truthfully this is what has kept me going when my life took a turn for the worse. I don't want it to go away. But the apathy and willingness for this country, and it's government, to let big business do what they want no matter who's freedom it steps on or what they take in the name of money leaves me with little choice. I can not justify the hundreds of dollars they will demand or the hundreds of dollars they want retroactively to continue this station. I frankly don't have the money or the energy to continue to fight alone. I'm tired, so very tired of the fight. We all like a story such as David and Goliath, but in the end we all know it is just a fable. From Rain: The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has announced its decision on Internet radio royalty rates, rejecting all of the arguments made by Webcasters and instead adopting the "per play" rate proposal put forth by SoundExchange(a digital music fee collection body created by the RIAA). RAIN has learned the rates that the Board has decided on, effective retroactively through the beginning of 2006. They are as follows: 2006 $.0008 per performance 2007 $.0011 per performance 2008 $.0014 per performance 2009 $.0018 per performance 2010 $.0019 per performance A "performance" is defined as the streaming of one song to one listener; thus a station that has an average audience of 500 listeners racks up 500 "performances" for each song it plays. The minimum fee is $500 per channel per year. There is no clear definition of what a 'channel' is for services that make up individualized playlists for listeners. For noncommercial webcasters, the fee will be $500 per channel, for up to 159,140 ATH (aggregate tuning hours) per month. They would pay the commercial rate for all transmissions above that number. Participants are granted a 15 day period wherein they have the opportunity to ask the CRB for a re-hearing. Within 60 days of the final determination, the decision is supposed to be published in the Federal Register, along with any technical corrections that the Board may wish to make. Within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register, it can be appealed (but only by the participants) to the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. Rengeek Dee of Jay at Renradio.com |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 22-Mar-2007, 04:13 PM |
And now for some goodnews!! I surfed over to Renradio to see if there were any new developments. Good news. NPR has joined into the fight! I felt the article a bit long to post but here is the link for it http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070320-npr-fights-back-seeks-rehearing-on-internet-radio-royalty-increases.html drip, drip, splash |
Posted by: Sekhmet 22-Mar-2007, 08:24 PM |
Aw, damn. I listened to Renradio for a long time, even after I started coming here regularly. I hate to see them go. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 22-Mar-2007, 09:53 PM |
Both of my previous posts were from renradios website so there may be hope yet!! |
Posted by: stevenpd 22-Mar-2007, 10:26 PM | ||
Don't give up! Keep dripping! The drips are starting to become streams.
|
Posted by: parkers1 24-Mar-2007, 04:06 PM |
My part of Texas has been contacted about this issue, below is a response I got back that I thought I should share. Dear Mr. Parker: Thank you for contacting me about the important issue of music performance rights. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter. As you are aware, rapid advances in communications technology have led to the development of digital television and radio, as well as subscription satellite television and radio services. These new capabilities expand the range of choices available to consumers; subscription satellite radio is one of the most successful examples of quickly advancing technology. I welcome such consumer-driven innovation and enjoy a personal satellite radio subscription. As expected, technological innovation also brings with it the threat of copyright infringement. While recent technology advances represent important achievements, we must, on principle, protect the intellectual property rights of those responsible for such innovation. You may be certain that I will continue working with my Senate colleagues to strike a balance between copyright protection and technological advance and that I will keep your concerns in mind should the Senate consider relevant legislation during the 110th Congress. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Sincerely, JOHN CORNYN United States Senator |
Posted by: Sekhmet 24-Mar-2007, 09:43 PM |
...the problem being, copyright infringement isn't the issue here. ::sigh:: |
Posted by: stevenpd 04-Apr-2007, 01:02 PM | ||
Keep dripping! Now their own industry expert can not say the rate hike is fair.
|
Posted by: hellknight 05-Apr-2007, 04:49 AM |
A question - most, if not all, of those polls, contact options, etc, are US citizen only. Is there anything people like me, who are not from the US, can do in this matter? I'd hate to see Highlander Radio, and it's colleagues be destroyed by those greedy (insert list of swearwords here) at the RIAA. Regards, Hellknight |
Posted by: stevenpd 05-Apr-2007, 10:35 AM |
QUOTE (sisterknight @ 07-Mar-2007, 06:18 AM) god forbid it goes through, but can higlander radio come to canada?or scotland?or ireland?or germany?...i mean CR also has international listeners as well....so your gouvernment is cutting off it's nose to spite it's collective face. it's too bad that all those petitions can't be signed by all listeners sorry, it's just frustrating not really being able to get involved.. sad.gif Those optioins have / are being looked at by many webcasters as a possible solution. But they are not holding out much hope. Oh but you can help! Spread the word to everyone you know. Write to the US Ambassador or Consulate in your country. Voice your opinion! Let them know that it is not just an "American" problem. Write to the record labels and the musicians themselves, let your voice be heard. |
Posted by: stevenpd 07-Apr-2007, 03:04 PM | ||
Here's a portion of a blog by the Talking Heads frontman, David Byrne. He also just happens to run his own webcast site.
Here's the http://journal.davidbyrne.com/2007/04/4107_your_gover.html We still need to keep dripping! |
Posted by: jesstuss 11-Apr-2007, 04:17 PM |
I contacted my rep and sent to my entire address book. How many will get it through their spam filters, I don't know but i tried. |
Posted by: haynes9 17-Apr-2007, 10:43 AM |
This certainly doesn't sound good. Saw this link at Kim Komando's website. We've got to keep dripping! http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/04/17/ap3619663.html |
Posted by: Dreamer1 17-Apr-2007, 09:49 PM |
I'm still reminding everyone, though I'm afraid some folks are starting to regard it as a nuisance Will keep dripping.... |
Posted by: haynes9 18-Apr-2007, 12:19 PM |
Finally got a response from my congressman, and I've got to say it's pretty lame. Actually, HE can be assured that I will keep him apprised of the situation! Dear Mr. Haynes: Thank you for contacting me regarding the proposed rate increase in the royalties payable to performers of recorded works broadcast on the Internet. I appreciate learning your views on the matter. Congress passed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA, P.L. 105-304) in 1998, in part, to help copyright owners protect their exclusive rights against infringement facilitated by digital technologies, including the Internet. Recently, the Copyright Royalty Board, a three-judge panel established by the DMCA to set digital music royalty rates, decided to recommend a retroactive rate increase for terrestrial stations that also stream music over the Internet. As you are probably aware, Clear Channel Communications, National Public Radio, and several groups representing both large and small for-profit and non-profit companies have asked the Copyright Royalty Board to reconsider its recent decision, fearing the rate hike could signal the end of Internet radio. This decision is not final, as numerous groups are likely to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington. Please be assured that I will remain apprised of the situation and look forward to the Court's decision. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Please feel free to contact me regarding future issues of importance to you. For further updates on legislation and other federal issues, I invite you to subscribe to the Renzi Report, my monthly e-newsletter, at www.house.gov/renzi. |
Posted by: Aaediwen 18-Apr-2007, 03:03 PM |
Sounds like what I got back |
Posted by: Macfive 18-Apr-2007, 06:06 PM |
The appeal has been denied. We have 30 days. More information can be found here: http://www.savenetradio.org/ This is the central location that a band of listeners. musicians and webcasters are launching the final and last fight. If unsuccessful then its pretty much over and 95% of webcasters will cease to exist. A few comments I will make. For Highlander Radio we can most likely exist as a completely independent webcaster - we have enough CDs and support from hundreds of musicians to make that happen. It will take some work to get there but I think it can be done. Evenso, our site will continue as we have more than just music here - its a community! - and that spirit will continue. Now the fall out from all of this will be loss of choice for listeners. It will start with internet radio and then hit upon every major part of the Internet that has made it such a fun ride. I honestly believe that this is not democracy at work, but the greed of men & women wanting more and more profits to line their bank accounts and stock options. It sets a precedence that may be hard to overcome. The issues go well beyond internet radio. They are sending technology jobs overseas in hordes and now at the same time they are stomping out any sort of creativity that the internet has fostered. In my opinion it is about control, who will control the internet will be the master of the internet and therefore the gatekeeper of the flow and receipt of cash. It should be noted that other countries will quickly fill the void. What is going to stop broadcasters in Russia or China from setting up shop under more friendly terms. In this global economy this decision will only hurt America. The other fall is hard to judge. But anywhere from 20,000 - 30,000 webcasters are being shutdown. Your talking people that are very passionate about what they do. Thats alot of angry individuals who are going to proactively fight this decision. That component is unpredictable and I am sure that know one in their plush RIAA office or DC court room has even thought about that piece. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 18-Apr-2007, 10:08 PM |
Sent some of the savenetradio letters off to the reps. You can add to the message of the letter to make it more personal. This internet and especially Highlander radio is the only place in the highlands of Upper Michigan that plays celtic music so keep dripping. Otherwise we will be stuck will sound samples on Amazon for the rest of our lives. Haynes 9-I know what you mean about the the lame reply. And when they stick their own little ads at the end it makes them sound oh so sincere. I'm surprised they don't have a tip jar linked to their web site. |
Posted by: haynes9 18-Apr-2007, 11:05 PM |
In response to my congressman's lame reply to my concerns about the Royalty Board ruling, I sent this letter as a follow up. I did my best to remain respectful, but firm in my demands for some clear cut action. Gotta keep dripping! Dear Congressman Renzi, I received you reply with regards to my concerns over the Copyright Royalty Division's decision concerning royalty rates for webcasters. As you know, the Board denied the appeal made by the webcasters to delay implementation of the rates. There were some "tweaks" made, but no long term relief. You are also most likely aware that the appeals process to the courts does not look promising. Congressman, I have to say that your response was not what I was looking for. It sounded like a standard form letter. My request and/or questions to you are two fold. 1. What is your stand on the issue? I am aware that you will "remain apprised" of the situation, but where do you stand? As a constituent, I do not believe it is unreasonable for you to directly answer this question. 2. Would you be willing to sponsor or help sponsor legislation to block the rate change from being implemented at least until congress can thoroughly examine the situation? Within thirty days, there will be many webcasters who will shut down due to their inability to pay these outrageous rates. Will you or will you not sponsor such legislation? In few times that I have met you, you have impressed me as a sincere and hard working public servant who has the best interests of his constituents in mind. I would like to think that I was correct in my assessment. I would appreciate direct answers to my concerns and not a form generated letter. I anxiously await your reply. Respectfully, Mark J. Haynes Ganado, Arizona |
Posted by: John Clements 19-Apr-2007, 06:50 AM |
Hi haynes9, I’m very familiar with those form letter responses, having received many of them over the years. Courtesy is nice, but some times it takes getting into their faces, threats, and even arm twisting, just to be herd, much less to get a response. Sorry to say this, but this seems like one of those situations. Maybe it’s time to start burning tiers in the streets? JC |
Posted by: haynes9 19-Apr-2007, 07:46 AM | ||
You know, John, you're scaring me, because I'm just about ready to agree with you! Actually, I also sent a follow up "snail mail" letter to the congressman. We've met and he knows that I have heartily supported him in the past. There are other issues that are important to me, but he response on this thing had best be more definite than the ridiculous form letter I received. Unfortunately, the majority of people out here on the Rez don't vote, but I do and I do my best (out of the pulpit, mind you) to influence people to vote. We'll see what happens. Have a great day! |
Posted by: Macfive 23-Apr-2007, 07:55 PM |
Keep the pressure up! We are starting to get big media attention and they are calling upon congress to intervene and reverse this culturally asphyxiating decision. Atleast that is what the Seattle Post Intelligencer did recently. Tuesday May 1st we plan on sending out an email to all Celtic Radio members urging them to sign the online petition at http://saveinternetradio.org and also passing our email on to as many friends, organizations and contacts as possible. The purpose here is not to save just Celtic Radio, but any website, podcast or online streaming music service that plays and caters to Celtic Music. If this ruling stands, it is the end of ALL independent music broadcasters period. Here is the count down until this law takes effects and you will see thousands of internet radio stations shutdown FOREVER: The countdown for " Until the Music Dies!" has stopped! The event took place 6162 days ago! We are thinking on participating in a National Day of Silence of all webcasters. On that day our broadcast will go silent and our website will point towards http://savenetradio.org. Thanks again for everyones continued help in this matter. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 23-Apr-2007, 09:45 PM |
Mac, is that last link suppose to be different from http://www.savenetradio.org/ link. I signed the petition at this one and sent it off but all I got back from my congressman was a "We get lots of emails and I'll read yours when I get to it" reply. I may have to bring out the big water hose soon. |
Posted by: oconnoon 24-Apr-2007, 02:59 AM |
I have sent the email to friends to please, please protest this move by government. If this goes through it would be a tragedy. Let's all keep up the good fight! Clare |
Posted by: Macfive 24-Apr-2007, 06:08 PM | ||
What would I do without you all!! I had the wrong address, not sure how I managed that! Thanks for mentioning this Roberto and thanks to everyone that has signed the petition! |
Posted by: groovyfishguy 27-Apr-2007, 10:14 AM |
Great News!!!!!!!!!!! http://news.com.com/Lawmakers++propose+reversal+of+Net+radio+fee+hikes/2100-1028_3-6179627.html?tag=html.alert.hed |
Posted by: stevenpd 27-Apr-2007, 10:36 AM | ||||
Keep dripping! We're not out of the woods yet, but we're being heard! |
Posted by: Macfive 28-Apr-2007, 03:01 PM |
Hold the presses, I have some major news coming on the redirection of this campaign! It is all good news but we need to tell our congressmen to support a new bill that was just introduced to congress. Ill post more details about this soon! |
Posted by: gcw57 29-Apr-2007, 01:09 AM |
Hi Macfive, I can't tell you how much I hope it is all good news and that the uprising made a few people take notice! I want to listen to the music here until I'm fat and bald! Uhm, maybe until I'm old.....you know, really, really old! Many thanks for the crown at my left. I quite like it really! |
Posted by: Macfive 29-Apr-2007, 09:59 AM |
Dear Friends, Keep up the fight, because of your efforts the following message is being posted by the Save Net Radio Coalition! 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 May 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). That is why Highlander Radio and CelticRadio.net has joined the Save Net Radio Coalition. If the increased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters will go bankrupt and silent on this date including Highlander Radio and CelticRadio.net. Highlander 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. Please call your congressperson to ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2060 by clicking below. TO CO-SPONSOR H.R. 2060, THE INTERNET RADIO EQUALITY ACT. There is a bill just introduced in Congress that will save Internet radio from the devastating royalty fee increases that will put thousands of Internet webcasters out of business on May 15th. Please call your Representative in Congress as soon as possible and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act. Let's take back our country from the big corporations that want to tell US how we should listen to music, what WE should buy and HOW we should listen to it. The U.S.A. is for the PEOPLE, not for the CORPORATIONS that are trying to wrestle control of everything. A panel of 3 appointed Judges (backed by the RIAA) have determined what is best for Americans. Well, I say that Americans know what is best for Americans and that these Judges should go back to their Country Clubs and eat their own cake (and leave us alone). Let May 15th be the rallying call, not just for Internet Radio - but for all forms of digital media which is flourishing across the internet. From Podcasters, to Independent Musicians to webcasters - We believe in fair rates, legal use of music and the promotion of independent musicans. Its in the hands of the people now. Either choose a digital future governed by the RIAA or choose a digital future governed by the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE and by the PEOPLE. Forward this message on to everyone that loves the U.S.A. and wants to see the people of the U.S. freed from the Greed of the RIAA corporations bent on suing children and grand-parents for copyright violations. Do it now and thanks so much for your support! |
Posted by: Macfive 29-Apr-2007, 07:06 PM |
Thanks so much for your support! All I can say to everyone, is if you ever wanted to make a difference please PLEASE call your congressperson and let them know to support this bill. At this point, emails and letters will be too late. We need to CALL!!! If you visit the SAVE NET RADIO website they have links to your congressperson and also a brief script that you can read to your congressperson. But of course, tell them how you really feel. WE ARE GOING TO SEND A BIG MESSAGE TO THE RIAA!!!! Lets do it and over-ride those 3 Copyright Judges who think they can tell you how and where you can listen to the music you want to listen too! |
Posted by: haynes9 30-Apr-2007, 07:36 AM |
Called this morning and was told that I would be notified as soon as the congressman takes a position on the legislation. Believe me, I will be following up! |
Posted by: Killian 30-Apr-2007, 10:36 AM |
I just got Through adding My 2 cents .THE FIGHT IS GOING ON NOW. I urge all of the listers to make there thought known!!!!!!! We want to save internet Radio To find information on who to contact and How. Go to http://www.savenetradio.org/ Slainte Killian |
Posted by: rhatcher1313 30-Apr-2007, 11:10 AM |
I just did same, also, wrote to CRB, also wrote to RIAA, told them I have spent Thousands of $$$ over the years for "legal fees", but, if this passes, no more, told RIAA that i will not purchase their products, or anything that advertises for them. This is absolutely "police -state" type of legislation that has already been passed, if this H.R.2060 does not go, this will only be the start,(or the end), of "free" internet as we know it. Do not delay, or soon, all we will be able to hear is"top 40 hits", not to mention, struggling artists just getting started, where the 'net is their only medium to get their music out to us. So, please, let YOUR voice be heard, there is not much time left.Thanks. Slainte, rhatcher1313 PS: go to savenetradio.org to let your voice be heard to YOUR congressman .. |
Posted by: trainbow2 30-Apr-2007, 11:46 AM |
I just had a quick read of the proposed legislation. There are good "talking points" in H.R. 2060 regarding diversity and foreign language internet programming, as well as impact of fees upon rural areas and communities. In establishing rates, the proposed bill makes a distinction between commercial and non-commercial internet broadcasters, and requires various reports including from public broadcasting. I invite those with a better legal, business or regulatory background to read the text and share with others your sense of why this bill is good. Offhand, to my eye, it seems well thought out and conscientious. |
Posted by: Aaediwen 30-Apr-2007, 04:30 PM |
When I'm awake I'd need to read it I guess. Right now I have no idea though... what is this actually supposed to do?? |
Posted by: Macfive 30-Apr-2007, 04:45 PM |
I'm going to direct everyone who is passionately following these developments to visit the Internet Radio Newsletter website. Here is the latest news on the Save Net Radio Campaign: A large group of webcasters, musicians and independent record label execs will convene in Washington D.C. tomorrow for the "Hill walk" organized by the SaveNetRadio.org coalition. The group has meetings scheduled with Representatives in Congress whom they will meet with to promote the passage of the Internet Radio Equality Act (H.R. 2060). Also in today's issue, Kurt and Paul respond to SoundExchange's latest press release, which claims that the new bill aimed at saving Internet radio would actually only benefit "mega-corporate webcasters" who are trying to swindle artists out of royalties. Read more about tomorrow's "Hill walk" in today's new issue of RAIN, available now at http://www.kurthanson.com. |
Posted by: Macfive 30-Apr-2007, 05:12 PM |
More cause for alarm and yet another reason to support H.R.2060: "RIAA's affiliate organization SoundExchange claims it has the right to collect royalties for any artist http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/24/141326/870, no matter if they have signed with an RIAA label or not. 'SoundExchange (the RIAA) considers any digital performance of a song as falling under their compulsory license. If any artist records a song, SoundExchange has the right to collect royalties for its performance on Internet radio. Artists can offer to download their music for free, but they cannot offer their songs to Internet radio for free " http://slashdot.org/articles/07/04/29/0335224.shtml |
Posted by: Macfive 30-Apr-2007, 05:44 PM |
Here's some stats for you! Congress has received 400,000!!!!!!!!!! emails and 1 congressman received 1000 phone calls from the Save Net Radio campaign. IN total, 50,000 phone calls in the past 3 days! I am proud to say that I know that members of Celtic Radio are doing their part. Thanks so much for your support. Read the encouraging news here: http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/30/technology/internet_radio/?postversion=2007043012 |
Posted by: Sekhmet 30-Apr-2007, 11:09 PM | ||
...you're frellin' well kidding me. That HAS to be illegal. |
Posted by: Aaediwen 01-May-2007, 03:35 PM |
So if I record a song then it can't be played on Internet Radio without the RIAA getting a piece? Ok. who has access to a squadron of B-17s? Let's Haggis bomb the RIAA. And then we'll follow up with rougher tactics if they persist. They don't DESERVE to make money from anything I do. |
Posted by: Sekhmet 01-May-2007, 06:50 PM |
Then there's no such thing as an independent artist. Just an unsigned one. |
Posted by: Macfive 02-May-2007, 07:46 PM |
The latest news from the Save Net Radio Coalition: "In a twist that greatly improves the likelihood that Congress could pass legislation in time to save Internet radio from collapsing under the burden of impossibly-high royalty rates, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), in publishing its determination in the Federal Register yesterday, added one word to their decision that moves the due date for payments under the new rates from May 15th to July 15th." A high percentage of congresspeople will be co-sponsoring this bill and this additional time will allow for the bill to make its way through congress, the senate and ultimately on the presidents desk! More good news: "After months if not years of silence, the lobby group for terrestrial radio announced it is coming to the aid of Internet streamers" Having the powerful NAB on the side of Internet broadcasters is major. It seems that the groundswell of support from listeners is making a difference. Thanks to everyone on this site that pitched in calling, writing, emailing their senator or congressperson. We are no means out of the woods yet until the bill is passed, but the future is suddenly looking brighter! |
Posted by: Sekhmet 03-May-2007, 01:33 PM |
::stare:: Terrestrial radio is pitching in? 'Scuse me while I look for the flying pigs outside. Well, we've got a reprieve, anyway. Keep pluggin', guys. |
Posted by: gtrplr 03-May-2007, 06:38 PM |
MacFive, I wouldn't have known about this without your e-mail. Thank you. It's been months since I've had time to listen to CR, but I still hold this site dear to my heart. While I realize that nothing lasts forever, to be forced out by people who care nothing for music, musicians or anything else except their bottom line (yes, I'm talking about you, RIAA) absolutely frosts my bollocks. I have a better chance of becoming our next President than I do of landing a major record label deal. Internet radio is one of the avenues by which I can have my music heard. No, it probably wouldn't be on CR, since I don't have anything Celtic in the works. But as long as there is internet radio, I at least have a shot at having my music heard, and perhaps selling a few downloads or CD's. I may not make a living at it. I may not make a nickel. But somewhere out there in cyberspace is a person who likes my music. I don't know who they are, but they are there. They don't even know they like my music yet. They don't know my name. But through IR, we can come together. They can hear me, I can touch them. Without IR, we both lose. I plan to call a local talk show in the morning and at least try to broach this subject. If I can make a few people aware of what's happening, maybe one or two will care enough to climb on the bandwagon. If we all do this, maybe we can make enough people care to get the message across to the CRB, the RIAA and everyone else. WE'RE MAD AS HELL AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE! End of rant Finally, a few quotes: The revolution starts now. - Steve Earle America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system and too soon to shoot the bastards. - Claire Wolfe America was neither founded nor freed by the well-behaved. - Unknown |
Posted by: Macfive 06-May-2007, 05:03 PM |
Here is an update on where we stand on the Save Net Radio Fight! The CRB in their rulin changed the date that the new Royalty Payments are due to July 15, 2007! Effectively giving us a 60 day window to get the Internet Radio Equity Act passed! This is great news because it shows there is alot of pressue on the CRB to not kill Internet Radio. Last count there was something like 50 congresspeople that are co-sponsoring the bill. It is looking very good right now, but it ain't over until it is over. Please please call your congressperson and senator to let them know that they should support the Internet Radio Equity Act. If it passes, then Highlander Radio will be around for a very long time. Thanks! |
Posted by: MDF3530 07-May-2007, 02:21 PM |
I have emailed my congressman and Senators Durbin and Obama repeatedly on this issue. |
Posted by: subhuman 13-May-2007, 02:06 PM | ||
Dang, someone want to dig up a few of my Anti-RIAA rants from about a year ago? Anyway, for those interested, a link to a PDF version of H.R. 2060: http://www.house.gov/inslee/docs/pdfs/internet_radio_bill_april_2007.pdf Aaediwen said:
Of course. The RIAA gets a cut of every blank music CD-R sold, too. What's the difference between a blank data CD-R and a music CD-R? The music one costs more because the RIAA gets a cut of the money. There's no physical difference between them. Similar for blank cassette tapes. Whether an artist is signed to the RIAA or not, they still generate the RIAA money. Ironicly, you'll be very hard-pressed to find an artist who says that the RIAA makes them money- which is the way it's supposed to work, isn't it? |
Posted by: Aaediwen 13-May-2007, 04:20 PM | ||
Ergo, I've never bought a 'Music' CD-R. No point. Data is data. So what if that data just happens to be a linear 16 bit PCM stream at 44.1Khz? |
Posted by: Macfive 13-May-2007, 05:18 PM |
***BREAKING NEWS*** A Senate counterpart to the Internet Radio Equality Act (H.R. 2060) has just been introduced with bipartisan sponsorship from Senators Ron Wyden (R-OR) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The Senate bill arrives on the heels of the House bill that has now garnered over 60 co-sponsors in the short time since it was introduced. The fight continues and popular support for internet radio is being heard in the halls of Congress and the Senate. So what shall the RIAA do now? They have proposed that Terrestrial Radio (AM/FM) should now start paying royalty payments to them. For 70 years AM/FM have paid royalties through ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. If you ask me, I get the feeling that the RIAA have been over-run by a bunch of attorneys. What we need are reasonable people to come to reasonable agreements and not start new battles with AM/FM radio at this point! It is sad that an organization made to support artists and musicians is actually doing the opposite. SHIFT HAPPENS! The RIAA needs to embrace the change, not fight it! |
Posted by: Senara 14-May-2007, 12:16 PM |
dare I say a few more holes have been poked into the dam??? It's amazing to see the progress so far. Just want to thank everyone that has been writing, calling, and expecially want to thank MacFive for keeping us on top of things. Guinness is on me boys....you just have to get to Wisconsin to claim it! |
Posted by: haynes9 15-May-2007, 10:55 AM |
There are now 72 cosponsors to H.R. 2060. Seems to be growing everyday! Check this link and see if your representative is one of them. Mine's not, so I'm going to continue to drip! Have a great day everyone! http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d110:2060:./list/bss/d110HR.lst:@@@P |
Posted by: Aaediwen 15-May-2007, 03:36 PM |
Ben Chandler's on the list! YAAAY! |
Posted by: Rindy 16-May-2007, 12:38 PM |
YES!!!! Barbara Cubin is on the list. She even took the time to email me about it. Slainte |
Posted by: SaveNetRadio.org 16-May-2007, 05:19 PM |
Thank you once again for your support of the SaveNetRadio campaign. As you know, the future of internet radio is in serious jeopardy. Thanks to all your letters and calls to Congressional representatives the “Internet Radio Equality Act ", H.R. 2060, has been co-sponsored by over 70 Representatives in just 2 short weeks! Now internet radio needs your help again: Due to the amazing momentum of the Internet Radio Equality Act in the House of Representatives, Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sam Brownback of Kansas have introduced a companion bill in the Senate, S. 1353, also named “The Internet Radio Equality Act.” We ask that you take a moment to now call your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor S. 1353, The Internet Radio Equality Act, introduced by Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sam Brownback of Kansas. In addition, if you have not called your representative in the House yet, we ask that you make this call as well to ask your representative to co-sponsor H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act, introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington. To find the phone numbers for your Senators and for your Congressional representative, as well as talking points for the calls, please visit http://capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/home/ and enter your zip code. As you can see from the speed at which the House bill is picking up co-sponsors, your phone calls are an extremely effective way to pressure your representatives in Congress to lend their support to internet radio. Your opinion matters to your representatives, and it matters to us. Without your support these bills could not have been introduced and without your continued support they cannot be passed. Please visit SaveNetRadio.org to continue following the fight to Save Internet Radio. Thank you, The SaveNetRadio Coalition To donate to the SaveNetRadio campaign please visit https://ssl.capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/fundraising/?alertid=9704731&type=FR. Any amount is greatly appreciated and thanks once again for your support. |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 16-May-2007, 07:35 PM |
I see my reps are not on the list. I'm not surprised but I think I will have to bug them again. My last email from the brobdingnagian bards contained a link to the saveinternetradio site so some progress is being made. Anybody thought of emailing some of the political loudmouths like O'Reily or Frankkan or even Howard Stern? We might as well put them to good use for a change. |
Posted by: haynes9 17-May-2007, 06:06 AM |
84 cosponsors now! Interesting in that this is not a "liberal vs. conservative issue. Denis Kucinich (maybe the most liberal member of congress) and Ron Paul (most conservative) have both signed on to the bill. Keep dripping! |
Posted by: subhuman 20-May-2007, 02:52 PM | ||
Glad to see you already realize what's going on. I like to bring it up once in a while to try to spread the word to the masses. There's no reason to put extra money in the RIAA's pocket if it gains nothing else. I have a few grudges against the RIAA, going back a few years. I like to hurt them whenever and whereever I can. They are, IMHO, one of the truly evil organizations on the planet, and they have begun to spread (example, the ARIA- Australian Recording Industry Association). The problem is thus- these are recording industry associations, or so they call themselves. They are for the labels- and not even all of them, just the big ones. This isn't an artists' association. It's a bunch of lawyers hired by some huge multinational companies whose only agenda is to find some little folk to bully money out of. It would be like the oil companies hiring mob muscle to go beat up schoolkids and take their lunch money. The RIAA can't expect internet radio to pay the royalties. They realize that the overwheming majority would shut down, resulting in no additional income for the RIAA. Even if the remaining few do manage to pay, the amounts will be a negligable percentage of the RIAA member organizations' income. Damn, I went and got started when I promised myself I wouldn't... I'll stop now, even though most of this is only half-formed. |
Posted by: j Padraig moore 23-May-2007, 10:57 AM |
An interview concerning this situation; http://www.truthdig.com/interview/item/20070522_save_internet_music/ |
Posted by: CelticRadio 23-May-2007, 07:53 PM |
Well, there seems to be a huge drop in listening numbers over at Live365. I know we need to have the campaign to save net radio, but their business is sure taking a whollup! A tribute to the members and listeners of Highlander Radio. Because we have such a strong web presence our rank is increasing at Live365. We are now the #1 Celtic Radio station and we are the 88th most popular channel! Celtic Moon and Celt Rock Radio are increasing listenership in the face of this all. Way to go members! Thank you so much! |
Posted by: CelticRadio 26-May-2007, 03:59 PM | ||
Pay close attention to these two reps: Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Howard Coble (R-NC), Not sure what they are up to, but seems like they maybe sleeping with SoundExchange!
|
Posted by: mingkee 05-Jun-2007, 07:12 PM |
this is a shame that US record industry is way too greedy netradios are not as many as foreign countries I can listen radio stations (traditional/net only) from UK/Scotland/Ireland/Hong Kong easier than US stations this is bad to output US information and culture |
Posted by: Shadows 14-Jun-2007, 03:34 PM |
Here is the response I just recieved from one of my reps in congress... This should be a clickable link to the full size reply. http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x210/walksinshadows/shuster.jpg |
Posted by: stevenpd 22-Jun-2007, 05:05 PM |
Is Highlander Radio going to participate in the Day of Silence in conjunction with SaveNetRadio.org on Tuesday, june 26? |
Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 23-Jun-2007, 08:17 PM | ||
Your response was pretty close to the same thing that I got. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 24-Jun-2007, 11:27 AM |
Yes, we will be participating with the National Day of Silence with our 3 Live365 streams. My understand is that preferred VIP members will hear a short message about the days events, and then be connected to our broadcast. Standard members will be redirected to a message or show about the Days events. |
Posted by: Rindy 26-Jun-2007, 10:44 AM | ||
Today must be the day then...keep writing those people in congress... Slainte |
Posted by: CelticRadio 26-Jun-2007, 08:51 PM | ||
Alot of internet radio sites today went totally silent and even shutdown their websites. Apparently the response was overwhelming to the Congressional servers and phone lines to reps were busy!
Lets hope this sends a message loud and clear to Congress and our Government! |
Posted by: Aaediwen 27-Jun-2007, 03:30 PM |
Amen to that! Let's hope they listen to a group big enough to bring 5 seperate systems to their knees at a whim just out of a sheer volume of legitimate traffic. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 29-Jun-2007, 04:42 PM |
It's not looking to good right now. Read the latest today from the Internet Radio Newsletter: http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/062907/index.shtml "Small webcasters intent on keeping Internet radio stations from going out of business best not look to Congress for help. That's the message from a June 28 House of Representatives hearing aimed at resolving a dispute over efforts to increase the royalties paid by Web radio stations to musicians and record labels for spinning their songs..." In addition, it appears things are getting nasty with a YouTube video and SoundExchange witnesses being harassed. I've stated this in a previous post, but my fear is that the passion, anger and emotion could boil over into something nasty.... The whole idea of SoundExchange and the RIAA is to rid the U.S. of small webcasters and make deals with mid level and high level webcasters. Live365 will probably strike a deal and we will be able to continue..... But something is definitely lost here without Congress nor the Senate even understanding what the real issues is.......... |
Posted by: TheCarolinaScotsman 29-Jun-2007, 07:26 PM |
If the new rules go forward, could they be challenged in court as unconstitutional under equal protection? |
Posted by: CelticRadio 29-Jun-2007, 07:57 PM | ||
Yes, the SaveNetRadio organization is launching this on a number of fronts. There are legal challanges and lawsuits planned. Who knows, maybe things will turn around - but it seems that the bill requires 50 sponsors in the senate and it only has 4? Not sure of the numbers here. Congress and the Senate don't want to resolve this issue. As stated by one congressman they want a WIN WIN situation. My understanding is that sometimes leadership requires making the difficult decisions and not taking the middle road. "Lets just leave everything the same" is a poor and lame excuse. The purpose of Congress and the Senate should be to foster an environment of innovation and competition with the best interests of the American People - not Corporations. This is just another piece of America going to the highest bidder. Our elected politicians are creating policies that see jobs by the hundreds of thousands leave the U.S. While we have millions of people living at or below the poverty level in the U.S. - we choose to hire chinese and indians to service our products and build our systems. If Congress and the Senate do not save Internet Radio, then webcasters in other countries will gladly fill our shoes; and they will have the benefit of laws passed by their countries which support them! |
Posted by: Rebecca Ann 30-Jun-2007, 07:55 AM |
How do we stop it. Our senators and representatives say they represent us yet are voting against everything good. Their stand on the marriage amendment was we have to think of all our people and making it law that marriage can be between a man and a woman only is forcing jewdao-christian beliefs on all people which we can't in rights do. Our country was founded on God's law. Whenever it has come to a vote for the people most have voted that marriage is between a man and a woman only. There is nothing Jewish-Christian about this because I am finding it in all religions, including so called pagan religions. All people throughout time teach to have life you must have male and female together. It is the same with the abortion law most the people ban partial birth and many want to ban all abortion. Seems to me our so called representatives are against, not for the people. They want us to do what they want and see and hear only what they want. They want to line their own pockets at the expense of the common people. The American Revalution was fought because of taxation without representation. Now the government has gotten too big, forgot the people and the God our founding fathers knew. They care only about themselves and are taking everything good away from us, replacing it with their politics and greed. How do we fight them? Letters and phone calls don't seem to help much. I am glad to have Celtic Radio and the few other stations we have. But with high cost of living and taxes, etc. we have no money to spare. We shall lose everything good and uplifting we have just because powers that be want to line their own pockets and not work like we have to. I don't see any of them struggling to put children through school or food on their tables. This is not the way of our founding fathers. There has to be a way we can join together and fight the evil and keep the good even if we haven't money. RebeccaAnn |
Posted by: Shadows 30-Jun-2007, 08:28 AM |
Revolution! Thomas Jefferson once said something of the sort ( not a direct quote ) ... a little revolution once in awhile reminds those of who put them in power... This can come in many forms! Civil disobedience boycotts - would it not be nice if we all ignored commercial radio and the adds? voting the SOB's out of office , etc. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 05-Jul-2007, 09:33 AM | ||
Here is a response I received from my congressman. I also understand that Senator John Kerry is one of the few senators to sign-on.
|
Posted by: MDF3530 05-Jul-2007, 04:26 PM |
I just emailed Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama's and Congressman Dan Lipinski's offices to try and get them on board. |
Posted by: MDF3530 07-Jul-2007, 10:36 AM | ||
Here's an email I received from Senator Obama's office:
|
Posted by: CelticRadio 07-Jul-2007, 08:49 PM |
Thanks for your support Mike! The senate is were we really need to get more support. Calling just your congress-person is not enough. You have to also contact your senator. I certainly hope that they don't forget about the little webcasters - like CelticRadio.net - its one thing if Yahoo, Live365, Pandora and the other medium and large webcasters get a break. But the small webcaster does not have the resources nor the support to be heard much. We are about 7 days away from July 15th - this is the deadline when the retro-active payments and increased royalties take place. I honestly don't know what is going to happen on that date. |
Posted by: MDF3530 08-Jul-2007, 06:32 PM |
To contact your Senators, click this URL: http://www.senate.gov/ In the top right corner, go to the drop down menu that says "find your Senators" and select your state. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 09-Jul-2007, 06:06 PM |
We just wanted to say THANKYOU! to everyone that has called or written their Congressperson and Senator. Our best effort has been put forth, it is now in the hands of Congress, the Senate and ultimately the President. |
Posted by: haynes9 11-Jul-2007, 03:26 PM |
Got this email today and was, needless to say, disappointed. Mr. Haynes, I contacted our legislative department in regards to the Internet Radio Equality Act. They informed me that the rates will take effect on Sunday, and the bill is unlikely to make it to the floor for a vote before then. Congressman Renzi is aware of the issue, and because the Leadership expressed their intent not to bring the bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote, he didn't take any action on it. Although it is unlikely that there will be any action taken in Congress, there is a possibility that the issue can be resolved out of Congress. It would include action from either the Federal Communications Committee. If you have any other questions on this issue, please feel free to email or call me. Have a great afternoon. Chelsea Lett Congressional Liaison Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) The so caled Leadership apparently could care less about the Webcasting industry! |
Posted by: SaveNetRadio.org 12-Jul-2007, 04:50 AM |
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 12TH Greetings, Time and options are running out for Internet Radio. Late this afternoon, the court DENIED the emergency stay sought on behalf of webcasters, millions of listeners and the artists and music they support. UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS BY JULY 15th, the new ruinous royalty rates will be going into effect on Sunday, threatening the future of all internet radio. We are appealing to the millions of Internet radio listeners out there, the webcasters they support and the artists and labels we treasure to rise up and make your voices heard again before this vibrant medium is silenced. Even if you have already called, we need you to call again. The situation is grave, but that makes the message all the simpler and more serious. PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES RIGHT AWAY and urge them to support the Internet Equality Act. Go to http://www.capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/alert_9738601.html to find the phone numbers of your Senators and Representative. If they've already co-sponsored, thank them and tell them to fight to bring the bill to the floor for an immediate vote. If the line is busy, please call back. Call until you know your voice has been heard. Your voices are what have gotten us this far - Congress has listened. Now, they are our only hope. We are outmatched by lobbying power and money but we are NOT outmatched by facts and passion and the power of our voices. Again, please go to http://www.capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/alert_9738601.html to find the necessary phone numbers and make the call today. Thank you, The SaveNetRadio Campaign |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 01:40 PM |
The court of appeals has denied our emergency stay. I urge everyone to please contact their senator and congressperson today using this link: http://www.savenetradio.org/index.html Tell them to bring immediately to the floor a vote on the Internet Radio Equity Act. Even if you have already called, please call again. We need to urge a vote on the floor. If this does not happen, then chances are it will be all over.......... As far as Celtic Radio is concerned, this could include ceasing our broadcast and closing down our site. I have not made that decision yet, but if broadcast fees are over our budget then we will need to close up shop and end the wonderful music of Highlander Radio........... I have contact all 2 of my senators - Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy today. I have also contacted Rep. Stephen Lynch office and spoke at length. All three listen to my story of Celtic Radio and I asked that they support the Internet Radio Equality Act. When I called this last time I spoke from the heart and threw away the script. I think Rep. Lynch's office was the most receptitive. The girl I spoke too stated she was going to pass this information on to Rep. Lynch. |
Posted by: MDF3530 12-Jul-2007, 02:32 PM |
I've contacted Senators Durbin and Obama! |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 04:16 PM |
The Chairman of the House Commerce Committee has summoned representatives from the webcasting and recording industries. Within the hour, the group will meet in attempt to broker a settlement that would relieve webcasters from the devastating royalty rates set to go into effect on Sunday. Will keep you informed of any breakin updates as we receive them. We are definitely on a roller-coaster ride. Everyone must continue to call their Congressperson. Keep calling and you can call more than once to tell them to put this to a vote on the floor of congress. |
Posted by: Aaediwen 12-Jul-2007, 05:12 PM |
I'm not going to let myself get started on a rant! |
Posted by: Sekhmet 12-Jul-2007, 06:15 PM |
Dear gods. Start prayin' kids....looks like we need it. |
Posted by: Patch 12-Jul-2007, 06:39 PM |
I have contacted my representative at least 4 times and did so again tonight. He will have it first thing in the morning. I doubt this started in the community of Celtic musicians but all will have to suffer. GOOD LUCK with the negotiations. Slaěnte Patch |
Posted by: Lady Jeanetta 12-Jul-2007, 06:57 PM |
Saying a prayer and phoning my reps... Don't know what good it'll do, but I'm certainly not going to go quietly. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 07:35 PM |
The realization about it all finally hit me today. I have been putting off coming to terms with the magnitude of the royalty increase. Certainly Live365 will need to increase their broadcast fees to something that is complete outrageous and out of our small budget. Please have your friends, family call and focus on Congress. That is what we are being told to focus our efforts on. Like I said, I threw away the script and told them about Celtic Radio. The hundreds of artists, the music that is not heard on local stations, the economics of us spending money on hardware, postage, shirts, software and graphics - we do contribute to the economy! They seemed extremely interested in the fact of "Single Owned" webcasters like myself. If you do call, please stress to them that Celtic Radio is a small webcaster and needs the protection of the Internet Radio Equality Act. As always I thank each and everyone one of your for your support! |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 08:00 PM |
Webcasters Everywhere WASHINGTON D.C. – Last night, Congressman Jay Inslee (WA-01), original cosponsor of the Internet Radio Equality Act, spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of his bill. He called on Congress to “fix this problem” and pledged to keep working toward a viable and fair solution. Read the Full Text of Congressman Jay Inslee's speech: http://www.savenetradio.org/press_room/press_releases/070711-inslee.pdf |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 08:13 PM |
Please see other posts below - we are not out of the woods yet I have just been informed that SOUNDEXCHANGE WILL NOT ENFORCE THE NEW ROYALTY RATES!!! This is the message that I am hearing about the special meeting today at Congress. This is unbelievable news - the Copyright Board has been completely cut out of the picture. This is a DIRECT RESULT OF YOUR CALLS! Thankyou all! A complete reversal of what SoundExchange was stating at 5:00 today: http://blog.wired.com/music/2007/07/breaking-news-o.html But don't stop, we still have to keep calling and expressing our views to Congresspeople. We have to have the Internet Radio Equalty Act passed so we never have to do this again. I think the shipwreck of July15th has been avoided - but I will wait until I hear the full details. Look at that, and people say the American people don't get politically involve and make a difference. Heck, we are all making a difference with each and every letter and call. Just think what other issues we could effect with this type of political activness!! |
Posted by: haynes9 12-Jul-2007, 08:38 PM |
Great news, Paul, and great going everyone! Let's not slack up now. Good stuff! |
Posted by: rhatcher1313 12-Jul-2007, 08:43 PM |
Excellent News !!! Don't forget, keep calling & writing to your congressmen, We have to have The Internet Radio Equality act passed. I have sent numerous letters & calls, will keep doing same... |
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Jul-2007, 09:00 PM |
I agree - we need to keep calling - the Internet Radio Equality Act needs to be passed. This will allow Celtic Radio to grow in the future. At 7.5% of profit it opens the door to many opportunities for us. But let me be clear - we must tell our congresspeople that this is for small webcasters - they should focus their efforts on small webcasters and not medium to large webcaster such as Yahoo, AOL or MSN. Here is the first news article I have found that you might be interested in reading. There are alot of response to this article. Scroll down to see them! http://blog.wired.com/music/2007/07/breaking-news-o.html |
Posted by: Sekhmet 12-Jul-2007, 09:01 PM |
I'm uncorking the chablis. Hot damn! |
Posted by: merle 12-Jul-2007, 09:25 PM |
Holy Jesus! |
Posted by: Robert Phoenix 12-Jul-2007, 09:26 PM |
Too late at night to call now but I'll get tomorrow for sure-again. Remember this is Michigan reps are pretty slow on things. Breaking out the mead anyway! |
Posted by: Rindy 12-Jul-2007, 09:40 PM |
This is just FANTASTIC!!!! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders..I can't imagine how you feel Celtic Radio.....YES... I can't believe it...WOO HOO! Slainte |
Posted by: mingkee 12-Jul-2007, 10:12 PM |
this is pretty important to "export" music to the world royalty increase only brings multi-loss, and we (Americans) can only listen webcast from overseas, not US it is also not good for record industry we need to learn from Chinese Proverb Greediness leads to Proverty (in Chinese, Greediness and Poverty looks alike in shape) |
Posted by: Drothgord 12-Jul-2007, 10:44 PM |
Ah that's good news people! It would have been a great loss even for us non-americans, because there are so many great internet radios in america. Highlander radio for example. |
Posted by: groovyfishguy 13-Jul-2007, 12:39 AM |
woot!!! |
Posted by: bigjimhainey 13-Jul-2007, 12:42 AM |
Thats great news, ive been following this mess and was afraid that it was gonna turn out for the worse. of course its not over untill something permanent is set in stone, but for now we get to listen to our music for a while longer. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 13-Jul-2007, 04:40 AM |
Yes, it is not over until its over and SoundExchange might try to pull something that is up their sleeve. Some updates I have received is that this is only for Webcasters that were part of the Copyright Royalty hearings. We will have to wait today and see what comes of this, so please everyone keep calling your congress person. Make sure to express that while the bigs boys like Live365, Yahoo, AOL have the power to negotiate with SoundExchange, the little single owned webcaster - which there are thousands - does not have that ability. Still, since we use Live365 to broadcast we can continue after July 15th. Will monitor this situation closely! |
Posted by: mistymtn 13-Jul-2007, 06:00 AM |
Yes, but where does Sen. Corker of Tennessee stand on this issue??? July 11, 2007 Dear Sir: Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your concerns about S. 1353, the Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts. As you know, decisions regarding music royalty rates are determined by three judges appointed to the Copyright Royalty Board. S. 1353 would nullify the determinations of the Copyright Royalty Judges with respect to webcasting. Currently S. 1353 is being reviewed in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Should this bill come before the full Senate, I will certainly take your concerns into consideration. Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me over the next six years. Sincerely, Bob Corker United States Senator |
Posted by: Dreamer1 13-Jul-2007, 07:47 AM |
This is really wonderful news , and an answer to many prayers!!! My brother and both sisters have been joining me, hounding all our reps and senators about this - that's Ohio, Virginia, and Massachusetts. I've been making a nuisance of myself on other forums reminding everyone about the impending silence of internet radio, and now I can happily show that we can all still have an effect on things that seem too large to change! Thank you Paul and Killian for all that you have done, and continue to do!!! |
Posted by: frozenrose97 13-Jul-2007, 08:27 AM |
Hi everyone, I just want to say it would be a real shame for this online radio to be shut down. I've always had trouble finding new celtic groups, and this is a place I can really find the great celtic music I'm looking for. It's a great thing that I would hate for us to lose. Best of luck in saving the station and thank you for everything you've been. |
Posted by: patternweaver 13-Jul-2007, 08:35 AM |
Got an excellent response from the office of Rep. Olver (Western MA). He is a co-sponser. Bill still in committee (unfortunately not one he is on). Fully supports the Bill. Sen. Kerry supports the bill as per a casual response from his office and Sen. Kennedy is still thinking about it. Keep calling. Senators who are "still thinking about it" need to hear that their constituants want them to support it. Phone calls work MUCH better than e-mails. |
Posted by: dundee 13-Jul-2007, 08:53 AM |
called senator herb kohl (ehhhh) senator russ fiengold (shudder) and congressman paul ryan (my hero) made my request known unfortunately none of them have made a statement on the issue yet... but i have........... happy to hear the "For Now" news..... thanks again for your hard work paul and killian... |
Posted by: Tourmaline 13-Jul-2007, 11:00 AM |
WOOOO! Not out of the woods yet, but at least there's some light at the end of the tunnel. Contacted Rep. Gallegly a while ago and got a form letter back. Hey, at least it was a response, eh? Time to ring up Senators Boxer and Feinstein... |
Posted by: Rebecca Ann 13-Jul-2007, 12:50 PM |
I wrote to my senators and representative not that it will do much good. I've written them many times in the past. They seem to be anti-family, pro-gays, anti-religion, pro drug addicts, alcoholics, illegals, etc. They seem to be against everything good and uplifting that doesn't support their agenda. All I know to do is pray for them that somehow their hearts will be softened and they can see the good that is in this world and fight for it. I pray that we can keep our station and family here and the rule makers will hear our plies and see the good that is wrought here. RebeccaAnn |
Posted by: Patch 13-Jul-2007, 03:04 PM |
The powers that are pushing this should realize that listening to Celtic Radio has sold me a LOT of Celdic CD's and tapes. If I like something I try to add it to my music collection. Slaěnte Patch |
Posted by: dundee 13-Jul-2007, 03:43 PM | ||
ewww and i though Fiengold was scary.... |
Posted by: Aaediwen 13-Jul-2007, 04:04 PM |
I had to leave work as soon as I got there this morning because I broke down over this. Man what a roller coaster ride! I am definitely glad to hear that there is hope that the damage won't already be done by the time proper laws can be on the books! I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye on this mess! I have been hoping that God would intervene to save us. This is promising. Let's keep the fire hot! |
Posted by: John Clements 13-Jul-2007, 04:15 PM |
It’s so nice to hear some good new for a change. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 13-Jul-2007, 06:56 PM |
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. Read more......... http://webcast.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=160332 |
Posted by: mingkee 13-Jul-2007, 07:10 PM |
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 |
Posted by: CelticRadio 13-Jul-2007, 07:47 PM |
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. http://www.house.gov/inslee/multimedia/video/internet_radio_day_of_silence_06.26.07.wmv 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. Again, our heart felt thanks to everyone! |
Posted by: mingkee 13-Jul-2007, 08:21 PM |
not only internet radio saved, NPR stations are also saved!!! Long Live net broadcasters and NPR!!! |
Posted by: CelticRadio 13-Jul-2007, 09:15 PM | ||
I agree with you! This effects all of Internet Radio and we are saving alot of music listening channels across the whole spectrum. NPR stations are very important to save. |
Posted by: Irishmusiclover 14-Jul-2007, 09:08 AM |
I'm so relieved! I thought I was gonna have to endure Celtic music withdrawals! |
Posted by: TandVh 14-Jul-2007, 02:27 PM |
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! |
Posted by: Tassiecelt 14-Jul-2007, 08:24 PM |
An an international listener I'm joined up and added my name, hope it will help a wee bit. |
Posted by: gcw57 15-Jul-2007, 01:37 AM |
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. Believe in victory! |
Posted by: Monarchs Own 15-Jul-2007, 06:05 AM |
so far so good - now let's hope those idiots don't find another way to get what they want. They should have seen after this - that every voice counts and can make an effort! |
Posted by: MacEoghainn 15-Jul-2007, 08:09 AM |
Despite the apparent reprieve I still half expected to tune into Highlander Radio and hear: "I can't remember if I cried.......... But something touched me deep inside, The day the music died." from "American Pie" by Don McLean being played over and over and over again. |
Posted by: Senara 15-Jul-2007, 08:16 AM |
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! |
Posted by: pretentiouswombat 15-Jul-2007, 12:23 PM |
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. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 15-Jul-2007, 06:59 PM |
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. |
Posted by: Mailagnas maqqas Dunaidonas 16-Jul-2007, 06:10 AM |
Well done, everyone, especially Paul! We all need to keep in mind the worods of Yogi Berra: "It's not over until it's over." and keep up the good fight until Congress does the right thing. |
Posted by: Irishmusiclover 16-Jul-2007, 10:55 AM |
We sure do and we sure will |
Posted by: CelticRose 16-Jul-2007, 03:03 PM |
Despite my lack of comments in this thread, I have been trying to save internet radio in my own way. I have contacted my senator twice....I too went off script! I have had a problem contacting my congessmen for some reason...probably my fault in not doing something right. anyway, I went to more desperate measures and contacted a friend of mine who is one of the producers of a Tucson news stations and I asked him if he would address this problem and make it known to all out there so more people would be aware on this crisis! I have another friend whose husband who is a newscaster and going to contact her now and see if they can try and help us out and spread the word. You know? I am so stupid. I thought this affected internet radio only, which I have done my part to save. but I guess I didn't realize it could possibly shut the whole forum down! My gosh! It hit me today and I am in a panic and sick mode at this time. So will do what I can, even more! God save us! edited due to spelling and other sentence errors! |
Posted by: Robert Phoenix 16-Jul-2007, 07:30 PM |
Even though I can't listen to HR at the moment I really dread the thought of the forum not even being here. Even more the thought of absoulutly no access to Celtic music aside from sound samples at Amazon. Its still a wonderful place for ideas and music sugestions even if the free player doesn't work right now on my computer. I wouldn't have heard of many of the bands I've come to know and love if it wasn't for this service despite the fact that I try to keep up with the celtic music scene as much as possible. And I can imagine its the same for people who love all the other types of music found on the Live 365 and the rest of the net. I grew tired of the top 40 reregergitated stuff they play on regular radio along time ago and I reallly don't care to have to listen to it again. So keep up the fight people. Its us lonely small communities and people on the edge of nowherewith one one or two top 40 stations and who have no other musical alternatives that you are fighting for. |
Posted by: Robert Phoenix 29-Jul-2007, 08:30 PM |
Got the email/newsletter today that states we are still in the game while they work things out. to quote: Internet Radio has been given a stay while Congress, Webcasters and Soundexchange work out a compromise. This is a direct result of the millions of listeners, webcasters and musicians calling their representatives. All we can say is thank you very much and keep the good fight going. Your calls have made a difference! Still not out of the woods but at least there is some light coming through the treetops. Keep calling |
Posted by: CelticRadio 04-Aug-2007, 08:19 PM |
Barring "great progress" in negotiations between webcasters and the recording industry by Labor Day, two prominent senators announced yesterday that they will take "expeditious steps" towards the passage of the Internet Radio Equality Act. Sounds like congress and the senate are getting fed up with the RIAA and Soundexchange. Passage of the Internet Radio Equality Act will allow small webcasters to continue to stream - either through a service like Live365 or on their own! |
Posted by: stevenpd 08-Aug-2007, 09:25 AM | ||
Keep on dripping!
|
Posted by: MDF3530 24-Sep-2007, 07:19 PM | ||
Just got this from Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) (apparently his aides don't check their email inboxes too often):
|
Posted by: CelticRadio 12-Nov-2007, 08:27 PM | ||
My thanks for David MacRae's unwavering support of Celtic Radio and for internet radio while he was here on this earthly world. Unfortunately, we learned tonight that Patterweaver had a massive stroke and has passed on. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his family. |
Posted by: haynes9 12-Nov-2007, 08:49 PM |
Thanks for letting us know, Paul. We will sure keep the family in prayer. |
Posted by: gcw57 12-Nov-2007, 11:38 PM |
David McRae sounds like a fine man who was willing to back his beliefs with hard work. It's always a sad day when we lose more of the good people. As a Canadian, there is little that I can do to convince senators, congressmen or other government people because I don't vote in the US - though I have dropped a few notes to influential Americans. I applaud David and others who have done so much to save internet radio. May his efforts lead to success and may he be an inspiration to others. I will be pleased to remember him, and his family & friends, in prayer. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 14-May-2008, 06:31 PM |
We have not had an update on the Internet Radio issues in a while, but it is rearing its ugly head again! Here is an update from Live365 about the current issues and what you can do to help: Dear SaveNetRadio supporter, It has been a year since an increase in royalty fees for webcasters put the future of Internet radio at risk. Since then, more than 2 million people have called on Congress to save Internet radio, the Internet Radio Equality Act has been cosponsored by 150 Members of Congress, and a hearing was held in the House Small Business Committee. In spite of all this - nothing has changed. We need your help. On Thursday May 15, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas will introduce the Internet Radio Equality Act (IREA) as an amendment to the Orphan Works Bill (S. 2913) while it is being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee . As you know, the IREA would level the playing field for Internet radio webcasters and promote greater parity within the radio industry, while doing away with the discrimination that now forces webcasters to pay fees more than twice as high as their closest competition, cable and satellite radio. You can help. At least one of your Senators is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and we need their support. Call them today and ask them to support independent artists, small businesses, and the future of Internet radio. You can find their phone number and talking points here: http://www.capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/alert_9738601.html. Ask your Senator to support the Brownback Amendment to S. 2913. We need your help to remind Congress that though Internet radio is still on the air and artists are still being paid for their work by webcasters, nothing has been resolved and we need them to act. On behalf of webcasters, artists and fellow Internet radio listeners everywhere, thank you. Let's finish what we started a year ago. |
Posted by: CelticRadio 31-Jul-2008, 06:55 PM |
After a who year has gone by, we are finally seeing some results. Please read the Radio and Internet Newsletter for the latest news about Senate hearings which appear to be going the Webcasters way: http://textpattern.kurthanson.com/articles/446/rain-731-hanson-optimistic-following-hearing-oxenford-sees-glimmer-of-hope |
Posted by: ogdenmusic 05-Oct-2008, 10:17 AM |
Oct. 1, 2008 Senate Approves Webcaster Settlement Act Solution for Webcasters May Be Nearing WASHINGTON D.C. – Legislation authorizing SoundExchange to negotiate royalty agreements with webcasters on behalf of copyright owners and performers before the end of the year has been approved by the U.S. Senate. The Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 (H.R. 7084), passed unanimously in the House of Representatives earlier this week, was approved by the Senate yesterday evening and now awaits President Bush’s signature. http://www.savenetradio.org/latest_news/08-10-01.html |