Update on Internet Radio

Been months since I last posted an update here on the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) attempt to silence Internet Radio. There have been few developments, but here is an update finally.

Little has happened in the past 6-8 months on the Internet Radio royalty issue. See my earlier diary entries for details on this issue and why it is important.

The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) gave two deadlines to Webcasters to agree to the new higher rates "or else." Both deadlines came and went. Even the RIAA admits that less than a dozen of the over 15,000 Internet radio stations agreed to pay the new rates.

The Internet Radio Equality Act (IREA) had over 150 co-sponsors but the Democratic leadership never allowed House bill H.R. 2060 or Senate bill S. 1353 to the floor in the 2007 session. The bills will be reintroduced in this session of Congress. Their passage would equalize Internet radio royalty rates with the royalty rates paid by Satellite radio (XM and Sirius). Interestingly, the RIAA signed a new agreement with XM and Sirius with royalty rates at the same level that Webcasters have suggested. Perhaps that is a good sign.

The Copyright Royalty Board who set the higher royalty rates at the request of the RIAA, controlled by Bush Administration appointees, refused to hear an appeal by Webcasters. However, the U.S. Appeals Court has: Webcasters' Appeal of Royalty Rates to Begin in February This effectively means that the old royalty rates will stay in place until the appeals process plays out.

The decision by the appeals court is impossible to predict even though the law is probably on the side of Webcasters (disparate treatment is easily demonstrated). The only permanent solution to this mess and the RIAA attempt to silence Internet Radio is to pass the IREA. I will be posting more information on legislative initiatives when it becomes available. In the meantime, enjoy your favorite Internet Radio stations while they are still there.

Peace.