Radio Royalty Legislation Described As 'RIAA Bailout' 272
An anonymous reader tips an article at TechDirt about draft legislation from Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) that would dramatically increase the music royalty fees for cable and satellite radio to put them at the same level as internet radio streaming. TechDirt calls this the 'RIAA Bailout Act of 2012' and says the RIAA has been pursuing similar legislation to increase royalty rates for terrestrial radio as well.
"As it stands now, the rates are so damaging that Pandora — the top player in the space — has made it clear it may never be profitable. Yes, never. Nadler's bill would effectively make sure that no one else in that market would be profitable either. The end result? Many of these services don't exist or never get started. That would actually mean fewer services, fewer listeners and lower royalties. It's almost as if he has no concept of price elasticity. Lower prices can create higher total income. Also, the idea that any particular Congressional Rep. should be (effectively) determining what the "fair" price is for anything is, well, horrifying. "
Re:Clearance; promotion (Score:5, Funny)
How should someone who writes and records an album verify that the songs he wrote don't accidentally infringe a third party's copyright?
This word "write". I don't think it means what you think it means...
Re:Accidental infringement (Score:4, Funny)
To be honest, anyone who sues Michael Bolton is OK with me.