Here’s a sort-of political post that most of us can agree on. On July 15th, a new law will go into effect that dramatically increases the royalty fees that Internet radio stations have to pay. In fact the rates are to be retroactive to January, 2006 and they are so high that all but a handful of Internet radio stations will be able to afford to stay open. You can learn more about it at savenetradio.org.

Those of you that live in the states can call or e-mail your senators and representatives and ask them to support the The Internet Radio Equality Act, which is now introduced in both the House (H.R. 2060) and Senate (S. 1353) to save the Internet radio industry.

I listen to the radio through iTunes when I’m working. The best thing about Internet radio are that there are few or no commercials and a lot of variety. My favorite stations are DI.fm Lounge and Groove Salad on SomaFM. I also like 1.FM’s Chill Out Lounge. Groups I like include Thievery Corporation, Groove Armada, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and AIR. (Most of those links have automatic music) Let me know if you have any stations you recommend. I like groovy remixes and the type of music you hear at cocktail bars, but good alternative is also welcome.

Anyway call or e-mail your senator and representative about it. It’s really easy, just say your name, where you live, and that you want them to support H.R. 2060 or S. 1353, The Internet Radio Equality Act. Usually you just have to leave a message on a machine or with an intern who takes down the information.

I know it’s Friday, but you can still do it at work or e-mail them at any point.

I know I will be super pissed if most of the online radio stations shut down in a month. Save Net Radio has filed a federal appeal to get more time for their case, so let’s hope these bills get support and that it works out for them.

The Save Net Radio people did not contact me, and I’m doing this on my own. I’ve also had a link up for them for a while as this is an important cause.