April 19, 2001

As part of our internet presence, OLDIES 104.9 had intended to make our audio available on our website. This audio streaming would permit visitors to our site from all over the world to listen to the station.

However, The United States Copyright Office issued a final ruling regarding copyright laws applying to audio streaming on radio station web sites. It was declared that radio stations that chose to stream audio would be subject to all copyright laws regarding the broadcast of music. Those radio stations would face fees to the copyright owners of sound recordings and fines for not paying those fees, retroactive to the date the station first streamed audio. These fees would be over and above normal fees paid for broadcasting music on the radio.

At the same time, we have received notification from Association of National Advertisers and The American Association of Advertising Agencies with respect to the broadcast of commercials over the Internet. Specifically at issue is how voice talent are compensated for commercials that air over the Internet. The Unions’ position is that streaming, of any commercial audio, over the Internet requires a payment to all talent in the commercial.

Many stations who already stream audio suddenly are faced with the possibility of large fines and/or copyright fees and/or talent fees.

The Findlay Publishing Company, doing business as OLDIES 104.9 (WINN), has decided to delay streaming audio until clarification on these two issues is provided. It is our desire to provide our listeners, all over the world, with access to our station. If you believe radio stations should not face additional fees and fines for streaming audio, please contact your local congressman or senator and voice your opinion.

Thank you