Web radio broadcasts 'sound of silence' in rate-hike protest

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — US Internet radio listeners will tune in to the sound of silence on Tuesday as webcasters protest a sharp rise in royalty fees that critics say will force thousands of online stations to close.

The SaveNetRadio Coalition said thousands of web-based broadcasters would participate in the "National Day of Silence," following a ruling that ordered a severe hike in royalty fees from July 15.

"The arbitrary and drastic rate increases ... threaten the very livelihood of thousands of webcasters and their millions of listeners throughout the country," said Jake Ward, a spokesman for the SaveNetRadio Coalition.

The protest comes after the Copyright Royalty Board voted in March to increase royalty fees played by web radio stations from 0.007 cents...