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Published by Randall Krause on Thursday, May 10, 2007  [Permalink] [Return to Top]

Congress Comes to Aid of Webcasting Industry

Sens. Wyden and Brownback Sponsor Bill to Save Internet Radio

Just as the Internet Radio Equality Act continues to gain substantial bipartisan momentum in the House of Representatives — already with over 60 co-sponsors — a corresponding version of the bill was introduced into the Senate this morning by Ron Wyden (OR) and Sam Brownback (KS).

While mostly analogous to its House counterpart, the Senate bill promises to clarify the rates and terms specific to non-commercial college Webcasters. In addition, a new provision intends to address the refunding of retroactive royalty payments.

Both incarnations of the Internet Radio Equality Act have been referred to the appropriate House and Senate committees for consideration (see below). During the hearing phase, ongoing deliberations will take place — either within full committee, or within an appointed subcommittee — and the proposed legislation will likely undergo significant modifications before being drafted into final form and approved.

        • House Committee on the Judiciary
        • House Committee on Energy and Commerce
        • Senate Committee on the Judiciary
        • Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce

According to SaveNetRadio Coalition, listeners and broadcasters alike are now encouraged to call on both of their Senators to co-sponsor the Internet Radio Equality Act. Various online tools are made available for site visitors to communicate directly with lawmakers.

        http://www.savenetradio.org/

Randall Krause
Executive Director
Small Webcaster Community Initiative
randall@smallwebcaster.org

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