Online Music Broadcasters Go Silent

Today several online music broadcasters, including KCRW in Los Angeles, will observe a day of silence to protest a new set of royalty rates that many stations and online music services say would put them out of business. The new royalties were decided by a panel of three copyright judges in early May, and the first payments are due on July 15. Unlike previous arrangements, which expired in late 2005, no breaks were given to smaller online-only broadcasters as they build their businesses. Many broadcasters who rely on online music streaming are encouraging listeners to support a bill in Congress that would roll back the new rates. Larry Mantle talks with KCRW General Manger Ruth Seymour about how these royalties would affect the station's online music service, as well as John Simson of the nonprofit performance rights organization SoundExchange.