Washington - Facing significantly higher royalty rates, thousands of webcasters are planning to protest by shuttering their stations for a day next week.

The Radio and Internet Newsletter reported that some of the largest Internet radio providers, including Live 365 and AccuRadio, will go silent on Tuesday in an event being dubbed the "Day of Silence."

The Wall Street Journal also said that Yahoo and Pandora plan to take part, but AOL plans to skip the protest, fearing that it will impact the "consumer experience."

Instead of silence, some webcasters plan to link to a one-hour forum in which webcasters will discuss the impact of higher rates.

Many webcasters have warned that the Copyright Royalty Board's new rates, set to take effect July 15, will force them out of business.

Earlier this month, a group of large and small webcasters -- including NPR and those represented by the Digital Media Association (DiMA) -- asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to delay the implementation of new, higher rates until the court hears their appeal.

Related Links:
http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/062007/index.shtml   

http://tinyurl.com/ypbj2g (WSJ)