As President of the Webcaster Alliance, an organization that counts among its membership base terrestrial and internet only radio stations, webcast-related technology and support service providers and internet radio listeners, it is imperative for me to note that the terms recently published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2002 reflect the end result of a negotiation less than a dozen US based webcasters are willing to sign.

I commend the handful of small commercial webcasters and the RIAA who carefully crafted a deal meant to address only the needs of those who were involved directly in the negotiation process; a deal which totally ignored the needs of the webcasting community as a whole and was an insult to the hundreds of webcasters who worked together to help get the plight of small webcasters noticed.

While I am pleased for the few companies who are willing to accept and sign the SWSA, I am committed to turning my attention to the TENS OF THOUSANDS of U.S.-based webcasters who eagerly await the 2003 CARP, where we can fully address the outstanding issues that continue to hinder the growth and viability of our industry.

Webcaster Alliance is proud to give a voice to the companies and individuals listed below who are actively working toward a solution that encourages a healthy atmosphere for the entire webcasting community.

We stand firm and united in seeking relief and correcting the present challenges with regard to royalty rates, recordkeeping requirements and content restriction. We are deeply appreciative of the interest and concerns Senators Hatch and Leahy have expressed over the existing CARP process and CARP participation fees, and look forward to voicing our support and gratitude as an Industry to the legislative leaders who believe in addressing the needs of the entire webcasting community.

Ann Gabriel
President and CEO
Gabriel Media, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A