NAB Raps SoundExchange, Re-Supports Inslee BIll

The NAB has reaffirmed its support for the Internet Radio Equality Action bill sponsored by Rep. JAY INSLEE (D-WA). The legislation, first introduced in April, has garnered 140 co-sponsors and would reverse a controversial Copyright Royalty Board decision that dramatically increased rates for local radio stations that stream music over the Internet. 

The lobby is siding with Net radio interests against the RIAA-supported SoundExchange, which has yet to respond to the NAB's JUNE 6 offer over this issue. "We are disappointed by SoundExchange's continued reluctance to respond to the good-faith, reasonable offer put forth by NAB nearly two months ago," said NAB EVP DENNIS WHARTON. "NAB will now turn our attention to aggressively advocating in support of Rep. INSLEE's legislation to ensure that local radio broadcasters who stream content online are treated fairly."

NAB To White House: Fight 'Performance Rights' 'Tax'

The NAB's Pres./CEO DAVID K. REHR has also sent a letter to President BUSH urging the WHITE HOUSE to oppose the statutory royalty for performance rights on radio. The letter, which characterizes the situation as "not a right -- this is a new tax," is a reaction to BUSH's admission last week that he does not know anything about the issue.

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