GLBT Internet Broadcasters Launch Web Resource
Some fear federal panel recommendation could silence glbt voices online

May 1, 2002

contact: Christian Grantham
703-494-6435
christian@christianandvince.com

or Marti Abernathy
317-780-1666
martia26@aol.com

(WASHINGTON) - A group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Internet broadcasters have launched OUTLET RADIO, a web resource listing glbt webcasts. The resource provides a wide sample of our community's voice online through call-in talk shows and music programs delivering glbt artists.

"The Internet continues to provide our community's voice an outlet traditionally underserved in mainstream radio," said Christian Grantham of the Christian and Vince Show. "Seeing the universe of glbt Internet broadcast content in one place really highlights the diversity of voices out there."

Last year, the glbt community lost a significant player in the Internet broadcast community with the bankruptcy of Stellar Networks, the parent company of the GAYBC Radio Network. GAYBC pioneered online broadcasts and hosted voices such as Col. Grethe Cammermyer, Michelangelo Signorile and Robin Tyler.

OUTLET Radio profiles broadcasts that reach a combined audience of more than 10 million listeners. Programs like AWARE talk radio, Gender Talk and This Way Out are well known for their broadcasts in close to 200 markets. The programs have joined several other broadcasters in realizing the promise of the Internet in providing content to underserved areas. Most of broadcasters listed on OUTLET Radio broadcast exclusively online.

"The Internet has provided a place for transgendered voices and artists not yet available in mainstream media," said Marti Abernathy of Trans-Sister Radio. "Now, big government and big business are threatening to destroy that outlet that we now enjoy."

Concerns that proposed royalty rates by the Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel (CARP) have many Internet broadcasters concerned about their livelihood. Proposed royalties by the federal panel will be accepted or rejected May 21, 2002 by the Library of Congress. Many broadcasters fear the proposed costs will put them out of business. The minimum $500 annual license fee and royalty rate per listener per copyright, retroactive to 1998, is unprecedented and threatens to silence glbt voices online. OUTLET Radio provides a detailed description of how CARP threatens glbt Internet broadcasters along with a call to action.

Visit OUTLET Radio and support online broadcasts for the glbt community at www.outletradio.com!   

Christian Grantham and Vince Oropesa
Christian and Vince Show
http://www.christianandvince.com

Marti Abernathy and Becky Juro
TSR Live!
http://www.trans-sisterradio.com

Nancy Nangeroni & Gordene O. MacKenzie
Gender Talk
http://www.gendertalk.com

Pedro Angel Serrano
Generation Q
http://www.generationq.org