An Open Letter to Congressman Ron Lewis:

Dear Congressman Lewis:

As I am sure you are aware, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA, under their division of Sound Exchange) recently drastically increased their rates to providers of Internet Streaming Radio. These exorbitant rates will certainly shut down nearly all providers of Internet Streaming Radio. It has been estimated that if a channel were to play two commercials between every song that they could not yield a revenue stream to stay in business. This is nothing more than another attempt by the RIAA to stifle growth in the new media market.

While I respect any business' ability to make rate changes, this calculated move will completely destroy a new growth industry. What greater example is there of a monopoly than the RIAA which can set the prices for all music played on the Internet and traditional radio?

Please support measures to restrict the RIAA and their designs to remove Internet Streaming Radio. It is just as easy for listeners to select a foreign station for their listening pleasure, and soon that is what everyone will do, because they can. And just as the unions have largely destroyed the US auto industry, the RIAA will destroy the American music industry.