Inslee and Manzullo to the rescue?

The gloomy choice for internet radio broadcasters in the US - pay ridiculous sums of money or be closed down - might be lifted if a new law introduced into congress by Democrat Jay Inslee and Republican Don Manzullo is passed.

Acting in response to the insane amount the Copyright Royalty Board wants to levy against online broadcasters, the bill would see web radio put on a footing equal to other forms of radio, with a choice between paying thirty three cents per listener hour or 7.5 per cent of revenues.

Of course, if this doesn't work then a large number of broadcasters will either close, or else move offshore, therbey depriving the US record companies of any income from them at all. This is a sensible, fair proposal, so we expect the RIAA to fight it tooth and nail.