Webcaster Settlement Act Passes US Congress
The Webcaster Settlement Act or HR 7084 has been passed by Congress. The bill authorizes Internet radio services and agents for copyright owners and performers to negotiate new royalty agreements from 2006 (retroactive) through 2015. After the House of Representatives passed the bill on September 28th, and the U.S. Senate quickly approved the measure (since they obviously have other things on their minds… –Ed.). The Webcaster Settlement Act is now off to the President for his signature.
Jonathan Potter, Executive Director of the Digital Media Association, stated, “I want to thank Congress for acting quickly to pass the Webcaster Settlement Act. This legislation will enable DiMA and our member companies, and all Internet radio services, to continue negotiating royalty rates with SoundExchange for the years 2006-2015. We are very hopeful of reaching agreement soon, and thereby creating long-term stability that will re-energize the Internet radio business.”
