I'm in Paris right now - it's a long day and I have had little chance to post (though I do have some posts queued up).   I meant to write about SaveNetRadio.org two days ago; B.L. Ochman already posted on SaveNetRadio today - the case is compelling.

"…Internet radio is in immediate danger of extinction, according to Save Net Radio, a coalition of artists, labels, listeners, and webcasters fighting to preserve the diversity of Internet radio. The group's blog is here."

What made the Internet attractive in the first place was the freedom people have in consuming content that's usually free - if that changes many of the streaming Internet radio sites will not be able to continue to broadcast.  According to B.L.

"..The Internet Radio Equality Act has recently been introduced in both the House (H.R. 2060) and Senate (S. 1353) to save the Internet radio industry. Internet radio provides promotional and royalty opportunities to independent labels and artists that are not available to them on broadcast radio. Internet radio listenership increased over the past year, from 45 million to 72 million listeners a month. I'm listening to WBGO's internet stream on iTunes as I write."

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!) …. It seems to, as I understand it, companies like Clear Channel are behind the recent rulings and want to put in dependants out of business, let's hope they don't succeed.