Vern Buchanan to support H.R. 2060, the “Internet Radio Equality Act”

Remember me mentioning in a footnote that internet radio is facing a serious crisis, with operating costs set to go through the roof thanks to a new ruling by the Copyright Review Board (CRB)?
Well, here’s a more in-depth article about what’s going on, by Rusty Hodge, the general manager of my favorite internet radio station, soma.fm: The crisis facing internet radio.
So, shortly before the footnote post, I decided I’d try to contact my congressperson about the matter. There’s a slim chance he might read it and think about it, right?
Well guess what appeared in my inbox today?
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May 2, 2007
Dear Mr. Greenwell:
Thank you for contacting me in support of Internet radio. It is good to hear from you.
As you know, starting May 15th, many music webcasters and radio stations across the country will end music broadcasts on the web because of a recent decision by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB).
You will be pleased to know that I recently became a cosponsor of H.R. 2060, the “Internet Radio Equality Act.”
This legislation will reverse the recent CRB decision and change the royalty rate-setting standard that applies to commercial Internet radio royalty arbitrations so that it is the same standard that applies to satellite radio. For public radio, the bill sets a royalty standard designed for noncommercial entities.
Congress can prevent the CRB royalty from drowning Internet radio. It is my hope that we pass the Internet Radio Equality Act into law.
Thanks again for contacting me. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call on me again.
Sincerely,
Vern Buchanan
Member of Congress
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How freaking cool is that?
Turns out a number of congresspeoples are going to be co-sponsoring the bill, which is great news. If your congressperson isn’t listed and you enjoy internet radio, get in touch and ask them to support H.R. 2060, the “Internet Radio Equality Act”.