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Net Radio Wins Partial Reprieve
Joren writes "Just a few hours after our last discussion on this topic, Wired News is reporting that Internet radio broadcasters have won a temporary reprieve from the new rates. Apparently the details are still being worked out. 'A coalition of webcasters have worked out a deal with the recording industry that could temporarily stave off a portion of crippling net radio royalties set to take effect Sunday, according to people familiar with the negotiations ... For now, the parties involved in what's described as ongoing negotiations have agreed to waive at least temporarily the minimum charge of $6,000 per channel required under a scheme created by the Copyright Royalty Board, or CRB. The deal, brokered late Thursday, is not final and could change. One person involved in the talks described the situation as a reprieve, and said that internet radio won't be saved until a workable royalty rate is set.'"
I'm very curious as to why you see terrestrial and satellite radio as different?
Because SE decides to treat them differently, that's why. There doesn't need to be any other reason. It's pointless to compare them - especially as an outsider. It doesn't matter.
But I think it's reasonable for them to charge the same rates as satellite radio. That's what would result from the Internet Radio Equality Act (HR.2060 and S.1353) I've written my congressmen - two responded with form letters, but letters that at least indicate they are familiar with the issue.
Unlike terrestrial radio where there is some public regulation due to the fact that radio bands are a limited resources, it's really none of Congress's business what happens on the net. Gee, I wish I could get congress to regulate the price of things I buy, too - and when they do, they inevitably screw it up. Like cable TV prices.
So I posed a lot of questions in my first post. Do you have any answers?