Webcaster Settlement Act Sails Through House

On Saturday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 (H.R. 7084), authored by U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA). The bill creates a way to ensure the long-term viability of Internet radio by ending a long-running dispute over royalty rates. The bill permits a negotiated settlement between Internet webcasters and Sound Exchange, who collects royalties for musical performers, to replace the exorbitantly high royalty rates set by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) in March 2007. Rep Inslee, a longtime advocate for Internet radio, introduced the bill earlier last week and worked through the weekend to ensure its passage. In the face of unexpected last-minute opposition from the National Association of Broadcasters, who represent traditional AM/FM radio broadcasters, Reps Inslee, Howard Berman (D-CA) and allies brokered a fair compromise which addressed the concerns of NAB members while still facilitating an end to the royalty dispute. On Monday, the "Webcasters Settlement of 2008" arrives in the Senate for a vote.