The House and Senate of the US Congress have each introduced bills to overturn the recent rate decision of the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). That decision by the CRB increases rates that college stations pay for webcasting music. The Internet Radio Equality Act would nullify those rate increases and change the rate setting standard in a way that would likely prevent such large increases in webcasting fees in the future. The CRB decision will cause most Educational Stations to pay double the fees this year and retroactively for last year as well! With out your support, these fees will become due on July 16, 2007.

CBI supports these bills and suggest that all those in favor of these changes call congress today and ask their representatives to support these bills as well! Resources for contacting your Washington representatives are available at the SaveNetRadio page. Calling only takes a minute and each call makes a difference. Be sure to tell them that you are calling to save College Radio! Stations and volunteers are encouraged to link to this page from their website, myspace and facebook pages!

Relevant links:
• CBI Press Release concerning Senate Version of the Internet Radio Equality Act
• Wyden-Brownback Statement
• SaveNetRadio Statement
• Internet Radio Equality Act - Senate Version (favored)
• Internet Radio Equality Act - House Version
• CRB Final Rate Determination

Pick up the phone and call today!

Contact info for your representatives in DC can be found via Congress.Org by entering your zip code in the box below.

OR

You can use the "Contacting the Congress" page to find your rep's e-mail addresses and fax numbers.

Talking Points:

1) I am a constituent and I’m calling to ask you to save Educational Internet radio by co-sponsoring the Internet Radio Equality Act. Please ask that College Broadcasters be included in any hearings.  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 want that to happen. Please co-sponsor the Internet Radio Equality Act. Please ask that College Broadcasters be included in any hearings  3) I believe that artists should be fairly compensated for the music they make, but forcing my Educational webcasters out off the Internet will hurt underexposed artists more and students. The artists depend on Internet radio to get their music out to fans and build new audiences and the students educational opportunities are enhanced by practicing what they learn. When the webcasters go off the air, so do artists. Please co-sponsor the Internet Radio Equality Act and please ask that College Broadcasters be included in any hearings.  4) Educational College Internet radio is one of the only bright spots for independent music and diversity. We NEED Educational Internet radio. Don’t turn it off. Co-sponsor the Internet Radio Equality Act and ask that College Broadcasters be included in any hearings.  5) (If you are an artist) College and Educational 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 the Internet Radio Equality Act and ask that College Broadcasters be included in any hearings.