Recently, I heard from several constituents concerned about a Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) decision to raise royalty rates for webcasters, a change that could amount to an increase of 300% to 1,200% depending on the size of the operation. Webcasters in our region would be severely impacted by such a change. In response, I have cosponsored H.R. 2060, originally sponsored by Reps. Inslee (D-Wash.) and Manzullo (R-Ill.), legislation to prevent the economic chokehold of an emerging media forum that 70 million Americans utilize.
The bill would create royalty parity for Internet broadcasters similar to commercial and satellite radio, amounting to an increase of about 7.5%. There are two distinct and important issues we are dealing with in this bill. First, there is an overall idea of fairness, which is at the core of capitalism and competition. Everyone deserves and needs to be on an equal playing field. Second, we as a society do not want to be setting a precedent of stifling any form of expression or communication. The CRB’s decision would be effectively doing just that to internet radio.
I rely on the questions and comments from the residents in our community to stay up to date on issues that affect my constituents. Please stay in touch with me about technology issues, or any other issues of concern to you.
The best way to reach me is through my Tacoma office at 253.896.3775. If you’d like, you may send inquiries about technology issues to: Linda.Danforth@mail.house.gov and for general business concerns or to invite me to visit your business or attend an events it’s best to contact: Roel.vanderLugt@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
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Adam, I support your effort to bring a level of fairness to the royalty rates. I work for Melodeo "nuTsie" and iTunes playlist to mobile music service in Seattle at http://www.nutsie.com. We want to pay our way and have no problem paying all the performance and recording royalties, but just want a fair shot. Putting our rates on par with radio and satellite only seems fair. Thanks for co-sponsoring this bill, Rob Greenlee from University Place.
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