I stand corrected.
Further, it would appear that the resulting artists language in HR5469 has been modified and or eliminated to the satisfaction of AFTRA and others.
If it works for them, it works for me.
I look forward to forging an on-going dialogue with artist, labels, and others concerning this and all related issues. I take it back also, and gladly so. On the other hand, if the RIAA had responded to my inquiry, the matter could have been cleared up several hours ago.
In addition, the fact that staffers made the suggestions doesn't mean they didn't have help in coming up with the ideas - not to be paranoid or anything. Some remember a congressional staffer named Mitch Glazier, who went to work for the RIAA.
UPDATE
John Borland's wrapup from CNET:
The bill, which still must pass the Senate before Webcasters will see any tangible effect, marks a surprise political victory for a loose Internet community that had never previously launched any concerted political action.
Webcasters are facing an Oct. 20 deadline for the first payments of royalty fees to record labels and artists for the rights to play music online. Those payments, set by the Librarian of Congress and the Copyright Office in a controversial June ruling, hold Internet radio stations responsible for paying about a 14th of a cent for every song they play for each individual listener.
Big Webcasters complained about the ruling, but small companies, including over-the-air and college radio stations, exploded. Many had revenue streams small enough that it would be impossible to foot the bill under the new regime, they said. Dozens of organizations began shutting down in advance of the fee deadline, while a small group of vocal critics approached Congress for help.
That effort culminated when Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-WI, introduced a bill that would have put off payments of the new Webcasters royalties for another six months. Designed as much as a tool to force the various sides to the bargaining table as a genuine policy statement, it served its purpose. Negotiations peaked last weekend, finally reaching agreement Sunday after strong pressure from congressional staff.
"We appreciate the assistance of congressional leaders in helping move this process along," the Recording Industry Association of America said in a joint statement with Webcasters. "We look forward to building business partnerships that create the best possible music experience for fans."
Some concern arose late in the process from artists groups that direct royalty payments to artists--a provision of the original royalty plan and a rarity in an industry where labels hold most of the financial strings--were being eliminated.
Article comments
1 - no spam
I find the requirement of webcasters to uniquely log all listeners disturbing. I assume they're also required to turn this over to someone or what's the point. The TV networks have lusted over this kind of demographics for decades.
Does this new law supersede the Internet child protection act, or whatever it was called? Which required parental concent before gathering such data?
2 - Eric Olsen
For our slashdotty friends - we have a post today dealing with the Webcaster Alliance suit against the RIAA in the context of all they (RIAA) are doing to make the world a better place.