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From a SaveNetRadio.org press release: "Legislation introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) (pictured below left) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) (pictured right) today would save Internet radio from a recent royalty hike that threatens to bankrupt the industry.

"The Internet Radio Equality Act would vacate a Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) decision to increase fees webcasters pay to play music online by a devastating 300 to 1200 %. Companion legislation ( H.R. 2060) introduced in the House of Representatives on April 26th, by Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Don Manzullo (R-IL), has already garnered the support of more than 60 cosponsors.

"SaveNetRadio.org… applauded the bill’s introduction, expressing their gratitude to Senators Wyden and Brownback for their leadership at this critical time for the Internet radio industry and the millions of Americans who listen online every day. ‘Since the CRB’s ruling, Internet radio listeners, webcasters and the artists they promote have joined together to urge Congress to prevent this vibrant industry from going silent on July 15th,’ said Jake Ward, a spokesperson for the SaveNetRadio campaign.

"‘On behalf of Internet radio’s 70 million monthly listeners, thousands of webcasters, and the incredible diversity of talented artists it supports, we commend Senators Wyden and Brownback for their understanding of Internet radio’s importance and for their leadership in taking the steps needed to save it.’"


Artists, labels, webcasters get behind Senate bill
"Other members of the SaveNetRadio coalition offered their support for the Internet Radio Equality Act:

"The Roots Music Association, an international organization representing more than 2200 independent artists and labels, headquartered in San Marcos, Texas said, ‘we are very pleased by the introduction of the Internet Radio Equality Act in the Senate today. Internet radio has become the lifeblood for so many independent artists that depend on the promotional accessibility it provides niche roots based genres,’…

"Tim Westergren, Founder of Pandora,… commended the legislation, saying, ‘[the Senators’] support shows an understanding of the invaluable exposure that Internet radio provides to emerging artists, as well as an acknowledgment of the diverse listening experience it offers to music lovers,’…

"Outbound Music, a Christian webcaster and retailer said, ‘…With the passage of this bill, we can rest assured that our spiritually edifying content will continue to reach as wide an audience as possible while allowing fair compensation to artists and affordable rates to webcasters.’

"Lisa Mathews from the critically acclaimed band Milkshake offered her support of the Internet Radio Equality Act saying, ‘Milkshake makes original rock music for kids… Webcasters provide an outlet for kids and parents to hear new music — music that is pretty much ignored by traditional radio. For me the value is undeniable. I should pay them for the service they do — I really should. The least I can do is keep their rent low, and be fair when it comes to royalties.’

"Ian Rogers, VP and GM, Yahoo! Music, said, ‘Internet radio has empowered and benefited artists and music lovers alike by removing the physical limitations and barriers that once separated musicians from their fans… We applaud Senator Wyden and Senator Brownback for their leadership and urge Congress to take notice and action.’

"Grammy nominated artist, SONiA said, ‘Internet Radio allows artists like myself in every imaginable form to sing and be heard around the country and around the world. And because my music is now frequently heard on Internet Radio I am maintaining a successful career that would be impossible without this open medium."

Senators emphasize parity, value to artists
Statements released today from the offices of the Senators co-sponsoring the bill underscore the urgent need for Congressional intervention to throw out the proposed CRB rates and determine webcaster rates based on a standard similar to the one used for other digital services like satellite radio.

A joint statement from Senators Brownback and Wyden also emphasized the need to bring the rates down to a level that allows webcasters to continue operating instead of being "driven out of business" by the proposed rates.

“Our bill is about standing up for folks ranging from a small Webcaster in a basement in Corvallis to an innovative startup in Beaverton to a new band trying to be heard in Portland to a huge music fan in Coos Bay,” Sen. Wyden said.  “Keeping Internet radio alive is part of a broader issue that is important to me — keeping the e-commerce engine running by preventing discrimination against it."

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