Senators Wyden and Brownback promise to push Internet Radio Equality Act

Things haven't looked great for internet radio stations for a while now, and though SoundExchange has put a pause on the rate hikes while it's in talks with the webcasters, not much progress has been made, and US Senators Ron Wyden (D) and Sam Brownback (R) have decided to do something about it. They're promising to push forward their co-sponsored "Internet Radio Equality Act," which hopes to chuck the new extravagant rates decided upon by the Copyright Royalty Board and return to a flat percentage-of-revenue model. Wyden and Brownback also decry the recording industry's use of a minimum per-station fee to leverage broadcasters into DRM, which "fails to respect the established principles of fair use and consumer rights." While they do support a negotiated solution, the Senators promise to takes steps toward passage of the IREA if there's no progress in negotiations by Labor Day. To throw your weight in behind the movement, check out the read link.

[alan @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:12PM]

Wow... Wyden does something great.

[blahlebn @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:34PM]

i thought this bill needs more support in the house of reps than in the senate

i was wondering, if internet radio broadcasters were to move out of the country, would they still have to pay the higher royalties?

[Steve @ Aug 2nd 2007 10:59PM]

All they have done is sponsor it so far, I have no idea what in the hell you are talking about. There have been no votes.

[TVGenius @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:35PM]

I'd much rather see terrestrial broadcasters subjected to the same abuse that webcasters and satellite radio are. Since playing 20 minutes of ads an hour, taking payola still, and playing the same 30 songs over and over somehow is good for the artists, according to the NAB. But XM and Sirius' innovative, artist-centered programming does nothing to promote sales.

Jerks.

[TNP @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:56PM]

Wyden and Brownback. Wow, that out-Odd Couples the Odd Couple. One guess as to whom is the bug-fuck crazy one. Hint: it's the Dominionist.

[Borat @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:04PM]

Wow Brownback? I'm surprised.

[Tavis @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:31PM]

Brownback? It's a trick. Get an axe.

[Steve @ Aug 2nd 2007 10:57PM]

I'm sure that Dennis Kucinich would support this piece of legislation. You should consider voting for him for President.

Brownback, on the other hand, is a shady character. I wouldn't trust anything he says about this. Use your people senses.

[trancer @ Aug 3rd 2007 2:32AM]

agreed. Dennis Kucinich is really under rated. he's by far one of the more honest candidates. oh and he has common sense.

[BananaBoat @ Aug 2nd 2007 11:10PM]

Is this the same Sam "Embryo is crying DON'T KILL MEEEEEEE" Brownback from crazyland? If so, this would seem like a fairly odd partnership. Then again, I can't complain if it actually gets something done. Hopefully next they will tackle net neutrality.

[teknowhore @ Aug 3rd 2007 3:19PM]

As one of many webcasters who have contacted our gov't reps for support, it's hard to tell if they really care about this issue. And in the news media this issue is overshadowed by war, crime, etc., so it's "wait n' see" for now. :o/

SonicInferno
:: INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH : SYNTH : ROCK ::
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http://www.live365.com/stations/sonicinferno
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[neal @ Aug 3rd 2007 4:19PM]

Brownback is only on this one because of the Christian fundementalist stations, nothing more. Still though I'd welcome any support at this time, even from the ugly right.

[Rusty Shackleford @ Aug 3rd 2007 6:16PM]

hahhaahahah!!! brownback...stupid mexican.