On March 2, 2007 the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), which oversees sound recording royalties paid by Internet radio services, increased Internet radio's royalty burden between 300 and 1200 percent and thereby jeopardized the industry’s future.

At the request of the Recording Industry Association of America, the CRB ignored the fact that Internet radio royalties were already double what satellite radio pays, and multiplied the royalties even further. The 2005 royalty rate was 7/100 of a penny per song streamed; the 2010 rate will be 19/100 of a penny per song streamed. And for small webcasters that were able to calculate royalties as a percentage of revenue in 2005 – that option was quashed by the CRB, so small webcasters’ royalties will grow exponentially!

Friday, June 22, 2007 A Note of Support from the Hank Williams Museum - Beth J. Birtley

Dear SaveNetRadio Organizers,

I am the curator of The Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery Alabama. We have been open for eight years showcasing memorabilia and artifacts of Hank Williams and what he has meant to Montgomery and Country Music. I have a close working relationship with Hank's family, as well as fans from around the world.

January 1, 2007, 54 years after his untimely death, Hank Williams is still recognized not only in his hometown of Montgomery, but throughout the world. He lived and felt the material he wrote and left a testimonial of his life in the songs he created. Hank was a young man with talent beyond reach who gave the world more hit songs than any other country music star. His passion for music led him to become not only a musical genius, but his rare talent would go on to become an international legend and a cornerstone in the world of music.

The Hank Williams Memorial Foundation Montgomery was established to promote and protect the memory of this great songwriter and entertainer. The purpose is to keep his music in the hearts of country music fans worldwide.

In keeping Hank Williams' music and vast influence alive, we wholeheartedly support Internet Radio for its contribution to the music industry. One needs to understand the importance of Internet Radio. It is one of the most effective avenues we have for out-reach to the younger generation. It allows them to learn an important part of music and cultural history while at the same time allowing others the opportunity to recapture memories.

Best Regards,
Beth J. Birtley, Manager Hank Williams Museum 118 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104
posted by savenetradio  # 8:34 AM

Not to sound like a kook, but if we let the archaic media types and other organizations, diminish the growing abilities and legitimacy of the Internet, then we have lost. Every time the media paradigm shifts the previous media moguls try to marginalize the up and coming front runner.