LAST MINUTE REPRIEVE

Senators throw support behind internet radio
Legislation has been introduced in the Senate that would overturn a decision putting Internet radio on a death watch. The "Internet Radio Equality Act" would vacate the recent ruling by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) that hiked payment rates for performances 300 to 1200 percent, and would reinstate the current standard of paying 7.5 percent of the broadcaster's revenue. The Senate bill joins companion legislation in the House. The bill would also vacate the CRB decision and return to the previous payment standard. The CRB had originally scheduled the new rates to take effect on May 15, retroactive to the beginning of 2006, but agreed to extend the rate hike date to July 15, giving opposition efforts more time to lobby Congress and to raise awareness of the issue.