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The Internet became a bit less "free" with the recent imposition of royalties on internet radio stations. Established by the Librarian of Congress, the fees exceed the current revenues of web radio stations, which, in the case of a volunteer operated station like KILLRADIO.ORG, is precisely zero.
Is it possible that it's the goal of the RIAA, who lobbied for the new fees, to completely destroy internet radio, forcing listeners back into the record industry controlled system of labels, FM radio, and chain retail stores?
The rates themselves are problematic, because they're based on a shady deal between Yahoo! and Broadcast.com that set rates in order to kill small broadcasters and, using a loophole, get out of paying royalties to copyright holders.
ACTION! There are numerous letter-writing campaigns to lobby the legislators; there's a 30 day deadline, so messages must be sent soon.
SaveInternetRadio.org, net radio activism portal
SJ Merc editorial
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