[BC] RIAA is at it again

[Milton R. Holladay Jr.]

Get ready, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) is beginning the next 
ratemarking proceeding to establish rates for broadcast years 2011 
through 2015.

The proceeding is a trial-type proceeding in which interested parties 
present detailed statistical and economic evidence designed to assist 
the CRB in determing the value of a non-interactive performance of a 
sound recording under a "willing buyer/willing seller" standard.

Anyone can participate, the cost is $150 and the time required to 
file an orginal and five copies. The petitions are due by February 4, 
2009. Details of how and where to file can be found here . You can 
also file jointly with a group of broadcasters.

Today in the on line publication, Radio Ink, Greater Media chief 
Peter Smyth says the record labels' renewed push for performance 
royalties is a "direct economic threat that can be more damaging to 
our future than anything the economy has handed us so far." He's 
urging people in the radio industry to contact legislators and ask 
them to support the Local Radio Freedom Act.