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This article comments on the decision of the Copyright Royalty Board to raise Internet radio royalty fees in the U.S. It explains that the real losers in the decision of the board will be independent artists, small radio stations and music listeners. The decision will take effect on July 15, 2007. The Internet Radio Equality Act is introduced in the Congress to keep the rate increases from taking effect.

The article expresses views on the decision of the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board to raise Internet radio royalty fees. It provides an overview of the decision of the Congress to establish a system to set royalty rates for music played via digital technology. It highlights the impact of the decision on large corporations like Microsoft and Clear Channel. Under the decision, a consumer who listens 40 hours a month to one Webcaster will cost the latter only 68 cents a month in royalties in 2007.