[b]http://www.savethestreams.org/[b]

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1. Okay, what's going on? On Friday March 2nd, the U.S. government (specifically, the Copyright Royalty Board, or "CRB") announced its determination of the royalty rates Internet radio webcasters must pay the owners of sound recording copyrights to license the music they play for the years 2006-2010. The owners of these sound recording copyrights are, in the vast majority of cases, recording companies ("labels"). While successful webcasters which have built loyal audiences can usually cover most of their costs from their revenue (and sometimes even make a little profit), these new rates will almost certainly destroy the Internet radio industry, as they amount to well over 100% of even the most-successful webcasters' online radio revenues. In other words, these fees are grotesquely disproportionate to any other expense a webcaster would normally face, and certain to bankrupt him or her.

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What can I do to help? Sign the petition Clicking the link above leads to a petition you can sign to help raise awareness of this situation on Capitol Hill. After you've signed the petition, you can send an e-mail to other people you know to encourage them to join you. Write your Representative and Senators directly Click the link above to write a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senator. Don't worry if you're not sure who they are -- the system allows you to enter your ZIP code to find them! We've provided a "form" letter for you to use, but feel free to write your own. The system will allow you to send e-mail or send an actual letter. Please remember to be courteous, but be clear! Let your Representative and Senators know that their constituents are concerned about this issue. Spread the word! Finally, please let your friends, family, colleagues, and any you know who enjoys Internet radio that without their support, there may soon be no Internet radio to listen to! Thanks!

Please SIGN THE PETITION

Let's save the internet radio because we need it!

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