[Dixielandjazz] Internet radio royalty fees

[RICK KNITTEL]

The reply below came from my representative regarding HR2060

Rick Knittel - JAZZBONE
The Maine Street Paraders

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        Thank you for contacting me about a decision by the 
Copyright Royalty Board that affects Internet radio.  I appreciate 
hearing from you.
 
        On March 2, the Copyright Royalty Board announced a 
new set of performance royalty rates that webcasters will pay to 
artists and record labels to broadcast their music.  SoundExchange, 
the record industry-created entity that collects and distributes 
digital music royalties, states that the new rates reflect the fair 
market value of the artists' work.  
 
        The decision is opposed by Internet radio stations and 
many of their customers, who assert that the new rates are too high 
and may put the stations out of business or limit what they 
broadcast.  Digital music services, small-scale webcasters and 
National Public Radio are expected to ask the Copyright Royalty 
Board to consider new information and to reconsider its decision.  
 
        Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) has introduced legislation (H.R. 
2060) which would reverse the Copyright Royalty Board decision 
and apply to commercial Internet radio the same royalty rate-
setting standard that currently applies to satellite radio.  As a 
member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which 
oversees telecommunications policy, I will be sure to keep your 
views in mind if the Committee considers this legislation.
 
        Again, thank you for contacting me.  I hope you will 
continue to do so on issues important to you.
 
Sincerely,

Tom Allen
Member of Congress