The Buma/Stemra (the representative of authors in The Netherlands) has changed their rates for podcasts to 1 euro cent per download with a minimum of € 130.-, retroactive to the 1st of January 2011. Before this change the rate was € 240.- per podcast per year, despite the number of downloads. This rate change means an extreme increase of copyrights that need to be paid by popular podcasters. This has led national radio station, Radio 538, to stop the distribution of their Dance Department and Powermix podcasts with immediate effect and then declared war to B/S.

For small podcasters this new rate is a positive change, however the minimum rate is still very high because they (often) do not make any money with their podcast.

CEO of B/S, Hein van der Ree, claims that a podcast is merely promotion for the radio station that provides it. He says that, if the new rates are not paid, it is a good thing that these specific podcasts will be taken offline. He also says that these new rates have been established after close consultation with the members of B/S, the authors. He, on his part, declares war to the “music for free” culture.

It is certain that authors should receive some type of compensation for their work, but the research of new, sustainable business models in collaboration with its members and facilitators is what is still lacking at B/S. Up to now it is still very hard to get a meeting with B/S to discuss how a new license model for new digital initiatives can be set up, that works for everyone. Until then these type of policies will only stimulate the “illegal” distribution of podcasts.

By signing this petition, you agree that:
- Podcasts are of essential importance for artists to promote their work to music lovers;
- It is an important source for music lovers to discover new music and eventually purchase music;
- New rates must be established, without barriers, without retroactive effect, that are feasible for small and big players, so that for authors an additional source of income is enabled and music lovers can enjoy their music on internet the way they prefer;

SIGN HERE: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/podcasttarief/#sign_petition