My account on YouTube, along with those of fellow YouTubers, had hundreds of videos taken down, and in some cases, entire channels were erased. It was a devastating blow, not only to our creative expression, but also to the community we've diligently built. The corporations who own the rights to audiobooks often utilize their power to claim copyright strikes, leaving independent and freelance audiobook readers like us at a constant risk. We believe that the joy and knowledge found in literature should not be locked behind legal battles and corporate interests but should be freely accessible to all.

For decades, books have been a vessel of knowledge, empathy, and understanding—a crucial tool in bridging gaps and fostering a literate society. Audiobooks, especially, have broken barriers, allowing those who are unable to read traditional books the opportunity to dive into the world of literature. Yet, large for-profit companies have monopolized audiobook rights, branding them as commodities rather than a cultural asset.

The current ownership structure not only jeopardizes the availability of free audiobook content but also stifles the creativity of freelance readers who wish to contribute to the public domain without the fear of facing legal repercussions. This system forces us to either cease creating or risk losing our channels altogether, which further limits the availability of diverse voices.

It's imperative to change this ownership structure by banning large organizations from owning audiobook rights. We propose legislative action to decentralize audiobook rights, ensuring they become a part of the public domain. This will empower creators, provide opportunities for freelance readers, and most importantly, grant the wider public free access to audiobooks.

Join us in advocating for more equitable access to literary resources by urging policymakers to take a stand against corporate monopoly over audiobooks. Sign this petition to ensure that literature, in all its spoken beauty, remains accessible and free for everyone.