Internet Radio Stations May Protest Royalties

Fans of Internet radio may find their station taking an extended break today to protest a proposed royalty for musicians and record labels that could drive many Webcasters off the Net.

Organizers of the “Day of Silence” say hundreds of online stations will replace some or all of their programming with public-service announcements, discussions of the new fees or silence. The main participants will be Internet-only stations, but some over-the-air broadcasters who transmit their stations over the Web are expected to take part.

At issue are proposed royalties of $0.0014 per listener per song for non-interactive commercial stations that broadcast only on the Net, and $0.0007 for commercial stations that broadcast online and over the air.

The Library of Congress is expected to make a decision this month on the fees.