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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Scottsdale, AZ, United States, 03/25/2007 - Cat Galaxy, like many internet radio stations could be shutdown if the new rate increase approved earlier this month by the Library of Congress Copyright Royalty Board isn't overturned.
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Cat Galaxy, like many internet radio stations will be waiting to see if the Copyright Royalty Board will be granting a rehearing over a new royalty rate passed earlier this month. The new rate set the minimum fee for non-commercial internet radio at $500 per channel per month, thus accepting the proposals of the RIAA-backed SoundExchange, a non-profit organization that collects royalties for record labels and artists. This decision could put an end to many internet radio stations as the new rate is well over 100% of even the most successful internet radio station's revenue.
There is a glimmer of hope however, as the CRB is now rethinking it's decision and possibly will grant a rehearing of the issue due to petitions being circulated around the net protesting the increase, which was filed by such known entities like National Public Radio, Clear Channel. Communications as well as many other webcasting stations, including Cat Galaxy.
"There are many stations, including ours that are now having to wait this one out. We've been able to ride out this storm before but this new rate increase could be a big blow to many internet radio stations including ours if the decision by the CRB does indeed stand firm," said Nohl Rosen of Cat Galaxy.
Cat Galaxy, which is the only station for cats in existence and will soon be celebrating its 6th year of broadcasting isn't feeling that there is a need to panic but is still encouraging its listeners and fans of internet radio to write their members of congress to protest the new rate hike. Internet broadcasters are hopeful that the CRB will grant a rehearing and listen to what webcasters and their audience has to say.
"We like many stations will just have to sit back and see what happens. If internet radio were to die, the biggest losers would be the listeners. This is why supporting stations such as ours is so important. If the rate increase were to become final, then a lot of cats would also lose out because that is mostly who we broadcast to. Animal rescue groups could also lose a powerful voice for their organizations, because many of our shows promote cats for adoption, spaying and neutering, and other feline related causes. The fact that the CRB is even considering a rehearing on this matter is a positive sign that internet radio has a chance to survive," Rosen added.
Cat Galaxy broadcasts to a feline audience worldwide live in 128k CD quality stereo and will soon be celebrating it's 6th year of broadcasting.
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