Le Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), qui détermine le montant des redevances des webradios, a décidé en mars d'augmenter les droits d'auteur des artistes diffusés sur les radios Internet de façon rétroactive. En cinq ans (2006-2010), la redevance passerait de 0,007 cent par chanson et par auditeur, à 0,019 cent, soit une hausse de près de 300 %. L'option permettant aux radios en ligne de payer des droits d'auteur en fonction de leur audience a aussi été abandonnée par le CRB.
The SaveNetRadio 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 July 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). Webcasters across the country participated in a national Day of Silence this week to increase awareness about this looming threat and gather support for the SaveNetRadio collation and our campaign to preserve music diversity on-line. The Internet Radio Equality Act is currently being considered by both the House and the Senate. This bill will set royalty rates for Internet radio equal to the royalty rate paid by satellite radio, and has gained over 120 cosponsors in the House.
Internet radio needs your help to survive. We need you to pressure your representatives in Congress to take action. Please take a moment to call your Congressional representatives in the House and Senate to ask them to co-sponsor the Internet Radio Equality Act. Making your voice heard will go a long way to helping preserve the Internet radio industry. Time is running short, so please call your representatives today.
