Save Net Radio – Call Congressperson now

May 9, 2007

tags: Law & Public Policy, Music & Records

by Dave O

Here’s what the Save Net Radio org says:

CALL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON NOW TO ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR H.R. 2060, THE INTERNET RADIO EQUALITY ACT.

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!).

If thei ncreased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters will go bankrupt and silent on this date. Internet 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 – here’s what you’ll talk to them about – you know, the talking points.

REMEMBER! Be polite when you call – these are diligent (often young) workers tending to the calls – your rants and angst is better directed elsewhere.

Talking
Points:

1)	I am a constituent and I’m calling to ask Congressman/woman ________ to save Internet radio by co-sponsoring H.R. 2060, the Internet Radio EqualityAct.
2)	The Copyright Royalty Board’s decision to increase royalty rates for webcasters is going to turn off my Internet radio and I do NOT wantthat to happen. Please tell Congressman/woman ________ to co-sponsor H.R. 2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act.
3)	I believe that artists should be fairly compensated for the music they make, but putting my webcasters out of business will only hurt artists more. They depend on Internet radio to get their music out to fans and build new audiences. When the webcasters go off the air, so do artists. Please co-sponsor H.R. 2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act.
4)	Internetradio is one of the only bright spots for independent music and diversity. We NEED Internet radio. Don’t turn it off. Co-sponsorH.R.2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act.
5)	(Ifyouare an artist) Internet radio enables artists like myself to reach fans throughout the country and enjoy exposure and airplay that we may otherwise have not received. I’m asking you to co-sponsor H.R.2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act.