NPR Invites RIAA to a Round of Fisticuffs

Recently the RIAA announced an increase in royalty rates for both broadcast and internet radio. If this goes through it will probably force many internet radio stations to stop broadcasting and it will also put an inappropriate burden on non-profit public radio stations. Well NPR isn't having any of it. Communication VP of NPR Andi Sporkin tells it thusly:

"These new rates, at least 20 times more than what stations have paid in the past, treat us as if we were commercial radio - although by its nature, public radio cannot increase revenue from more listeners or more content, the factors that set this new rate. Also, we are being required to pay an internet royalty fee that is vastly more expensive than what we pay for over-the-air use of music, although for a fraction of the over-the-air audience."

"This decision penalizes public radio stations for fulfilling their mandate, it penalizes emerging and non-mainstream musical artists who have always relied on public radio for visibility and ultimately it penalizes the American public, whose local station memberships and taxes will be necessary to cover the millions of dollars that will now be required as payment. On behalf of the public radio system, NPR will pursue all possible action to reverse this decision, which threatens to severely reduce local stations' public service and limit the reach of the entire music community."

That's the spirit NPR.