Country Boy's Version of Internet Radio Battle

"Junior, you come here right this minute!"

"What's the matter, Pa?"

"Well, it says here in the news that these new-fangled Inter..Intra..Internet radio stations ned to pay more royalties. You been doin' something bad out there in that there radio shed?"

"No, sir. I pay my account in full every month. I have a legal, licensed Internet station in our little building. I play a lot of old time music."

"I've heard some of it. Like it a lot, in fact. Ever since our local station took off all their music and started playin' the babble format I done quit listenin'."

"I know, Pa. I get hundreds of listeners writing me, saying thanks for providing the old music that we can't hear anywhere else."

"Well, all I know is, since you got yoreself that station, you don't never get in trouble no more. You quit shootin' out the traffic lights, you work at the general store to earn money to run your station, and you provide a good service to folks."

"Yes, sir. I put a lot of time into my station to make it special to people."

"I don't understand why they need more money. How much you make with your station?"

"Well, a listener sent me $50 back last summer. I ain't made nothin' since then."

"Well, I hope they send that royalty money to the right place. Don't want Faron Young, T. Texas Tyler, Roy Acuff, Jimmie Davis and the rest to not get their fair share."

"I..might have to shut down, Pa. I can't earn enough at the general store to keep the station going."

"What!!??" Pa said. "It's doing good service for folks. It keeps you out of trouble. It..makes the world a better place."

"I know, Pa. I don't understand it."

"You still got that BB gun, son, that you used to shoot at the traffic lights with?"

"Well, yeah, Pa, but I ain't used it in ages. Why do you ask?"

"I'm mad enough to go.....um..."


Most webcasters aren't doing their stations for the money, because it's not there. They love the music and had found a legal way of sharing their collections with the world. There may be some pirates, but the majority of Internet broadcasters do not fall into this category.

Internet radio needs your help.

Visit SAVE NET RADIO and get involved in the fight.

If the big boys take away Internet radio..what's next?

The CRB royalty ruling needs to be overturned. Congress can do it. Contact
your representatives and senators and let them know how you feel.

Because the land of the free is getting less free every day.