The Webcaster Alliance, representing small online streaming stations, is threatening to sue the RIAA "and other parties" for trying to monopolise music distribution on the Net.

"We've given the RIAA until July 18 to respond," WA president Ann Gabriel told us. "We are fully prepared to move forward to seek legal remedies if we do not receive a response from them by that time."

She said since last November, Webcaster Alliance has made repeated attempts to negotiate with the RIAA in good faith but, "They have not to this point made any attempt to acknowledge or address the needs of our diverse membership base. I have no reason to believe that will change now."

The RIAA and its members are trying to eliminate the, "competitive threat of Independent Material" and to manipulate the small commercial webcasting market, "to unlawfully maintain its core monopoly," the WA's Perry Narancic alleges in a letter to Steven Marks, RIAA vp of business and legal affairs.

RIAA attorney Gary Greenstein told Gabriel in January that he didn't care if, "25,000 webcasters went out of business because then people would have to get their music from AOL," Gabriel says, after which her organization became deeply concerned.

"This [RIAA] agenda is patently clear as we have watched the RIAA's actions which have the effect of wiping out an entire industry of independent webcasters who represent freedom of choice and diversity for Internet radio listeners," she states.

"It is time for the RIAA to be held accountable for their years of manipulating an entire industry and working to destroy the hopes and dreams of thousands of independent Internet radio stations. It is time for us to stand up and fight their illegal quest for monopolistic and manipulative control over the distribution of content and the American consumers freedom of choice."

The RIAA hadn't responded to the WA letter as of this writing.

In the meanwhile, on July 4, the WA and DMusic announced an agreement under which they'll deliver more independent artist content to Webcaster Alliance members.

"In a climate where the RIAA has proven repeatedly that they do not care if independent artists, independent labels, or independent webcasters survive, working with DMusic and their artists now gives our members another alternative to RIAA member content," said Gabriel.

"Our webcasters are constantly on the lookout for fresh, new music and working with DMusic to promote Independent Artists is a great way for us to deliver that content".

Go here for the Webcaster Alliance letter to RIAA.

Another reason to dislike the RIAA!! Keep em coming!

Its about time.

Finally the RIAA is going to get their's.

They have been getting theres since napster came about

sue and counter-sue, the RIAA loses money both ways... I'm game.

ooooooooooo coooooooool loooooooooovvvvvveee it

yeay the force is growing! the riaa's days are now numbered.

I wonder if Carry "Thinks He's Master of the Universe" Sherman is scared at all. Do you think Hilary "Daughter of the Blob" Rosen felt all this coming and that's why she jumped ship?

Wha? You mean the RIAA & its members maintain an illegal monopoly on music distribution. Geez, next thing you'll tell me is they price-fixed CDs...
;^)

Wonder if the RIAA & its members feel the consumer backlash yet?

I hope the WA has what it takes to fight these tyrants, and I mean $$$$$$$.This will be a long drawn out battle, and unless there's a billionaire or two hiding in the shadows I don't see much hope in the courtroom.
I hate to be a pessimist, but this is an organization with unlimited resources. Not to mention the U.S. Dept. of commerce has spent over 100 million buying up state judges since 2000 to ensure judgements are made on behalf of big business, insurance companys, and republicans.
We all know majority doesn't rule in "Bushland" (formerly known as USA) Money rules.

The balance of power is gone. This is not a democracy. Best of luck, bring lawyers GUNS and money.

if you think I'm full of it, check this out http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/0721/064.html

Is anyone starting a defense fund for these guys? If so, I got a dollar to give...

A single stick is broken easily.But a bundle of many held together as one, can not be broken. We have our many that can hold strong, even without money, the power of the pen is mighter than any sword. Our vocies united alone bring down the walls.

Awesome! Whether or not this case comes out in our favor, it's great to see that there are organizations on our side willing to put their legal power forth! Good luck to the Webmaster's Alliance in this case (which I assume the RIAA isn't just going to "comply"; there will be a court case), and I hope that other organizations take their lead!