Congressional hearing June 28 on impact of Copyright Royalty Board increasing webcasting royalty rates

From Kate Gilman, Press Secretary, House Small Business Committee, Majority Staff Chairwoman, Nydia M. Velázquez, NY-12:

The House Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing June 28 titled "Assessing the Impact of the Copyright Royalty Board Decision to Increase Royalty Rates on Recording Artists and Webcasters." Small Webcasters that provide daily music entertainment to individuals nationwide will be at risk of going silent on July 15, after an increase in royalty rates from the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) comes into effect.

The hearing will examine the decision to raise rates, the impact it will have on Internet Radio, and the challenges of providing fair compensation for copyright owners while maintaining a business environment that allow small Webcasters to thrive. The committee will hear testimony from various Internet Radio outlets, as well as music artists that stand on both sides of the issue.

*Thursday, June 28, 10 a.m. at 2360 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington D.C.