Jazz Musicians Slam New Music Royalty Rates
A group of Jazz legends on Tuesday threw their support behind SaveNetRadio, a grassroots coalition opposed to the recent royalty rate hike that they fear would bankrupt some online broadcasters. The endorsement came on the heels of New Orleans' annual Jazz Fest, which ended last weekend.
In a letter to House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, clarinet whiz Michael White, trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, jazz phenom "Trombone Shorty" and other influential musicians called on Congress to block the Copyright Royalty Board's ruling. "Internet radio is one of the precious few outlets we have to reach Jazz audiences and build new ones. If Internet radio dies, the future of Jazz could die with it,” the musicians said.
David Freedman, general manager of the Big Easy's WWOZ radio station, weighed in on the new fee structure. He said the changes "directly affect New Orleans artists and musicians throughout the country that depend on Internet radio for air play and to reach new fans." The rate change would limit WWOZ's own ability to stream songs online.
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