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Web Radio Takes Fight to Senate

Negotiations have stalled in new royalty plan, they say

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 24, 2007 12:39 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Internet radio hangs in the balance, webcasters say, but the Senate Commerce Committee, which holds radio hearings today, can save it by reviving bills setting royalty rates for online broadcasters as low as satellite radio's. Legislators introduced the bills this spring, the Post explains, when the Copyright Royalty Board jacked up web rates, but ultimately told the sides to negotiate.

Those negotiations have gone nowhere, the Net radio companies say. “We made a royalty rate proposal on Aug. 23, and we have not heard a reply back,” said one executive. Webcasters want to be on equal footing with satellite and terrestrial radio – which pays no royalties. “There needs to be parity if we are going to survive,” said one Pandora strategist.

Internet radio webcasters are hoping today's Senate hearing will reopen debate with the recording industry over unjust royalty fees.
Internet radio webcasters are hoping today's Senate hearing will reopen debate with the recording industry over unjust royalty fees.   (Shutterstock.com)
Webcasters continue to argue that a royalty fee schedule set by the Copyright Royalty Board would put online radio stations out of business, and hurt independent artists looking for small-scale exposure.
Webcasters continue to argue that a royalty fee schedule set by the Copyright Royalty Board would put online radio stations out of business, and hurt independent artists looking for small-scale exposure.   (Shutterstock.com)
Podcasters and live radio streaming amateurs alike have come together in hopes of saving the burgeoning medium.
Podcasters and live radio streaming amateurs alike have come together in hopes of saving the burgeoning medium.   ((c) aloshbennett)
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