Despite many setbacks in the past months, as well as this week's court denial of a "motion to stay" petition by webcasters, internet radio has been saved from the freakish royalty rate increases originally due to take effect this Sunday. "A commitment has been made to negotiate reasonable royalties, recognizing the industry’s long-term value and its still-developing revenue potential," wrote SaveNetRadio on its website.
Due in no small part to the public outcry (the Internet Radio Equality Act now has over 125 cosponsoring representatives), webcasters can now catch their breaths as negotiations begin. SoundExchange has said it will not enforce the new royalty rates until new rates are decided on.
Of course, royalty increases are still likely, and all of this is decidedly temporary. At best, the negotiations will produce a healthy discussion of the internet, copyright laws, and royalty rates, ending with reasonable legislation. At worst, internet radio supporters -- both hardcore and casual ones -- will slowly become complacent during the negoations, and the next timeline will be met with lukewarm protest.
Although this temporary victory is certainly a positive sign for internet radio, the Copyright Royalty Board and SoundExchange are certainly not ready to give in just yet. Go to SaveNetRadio to learn more.
