musicians

 

 

Samantha Murphy/SMtv

On the surface, the proposed CRB rate increase for webcasters appears to serve artists.  But, upon deeper consideration, it is apparent that these increases, should they come to pass, will do a great disservice to both unsigned artists as well as artists on independent labels.  Small webcasters will be forced out of business and those few larger internet radio operators still standing will be required to negotiate directly with labels, leading to lengthy, unsuccessful attempts to reach agreements on rates.  These actions will remove the level playing field we are working so hard to achieve on the internet.  Should the rate increase be passed, it will send the message that Net Neutrality is going away and will create a hierarchy in our digital world that is unacceptable.  Please let congress know we will not stand by idly and watch this happen. –Artist and Owner Samantha Murphy/SMtv