NAB Hypocracy - Loud And Clear

April 27, 2007

You can count on one thing from the NAB.........They will argue staunchly if it fits their agenda.

In the statement below, the NAB suggests that they will work to craft legislation that will ensure the survival of a fledgling audio platform. Funny, they do not do the same for satellite radio. I wonder why.


WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) today introduced the Internet Radio Equality Act. According to a memo from Rep. Inslee's office, the bill will "reverse the recent [Copyright Royalty Board] decision and change the royalty rate-setting standard that applies to commercial Internet radio royalty arbitrations so that it is the same standard that applies to satellite radio. For public radio, the bill sets a royalty standard designed for noncommercial entities."


The following statement can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton:


"NAB is reviewing details of Rep. Inslee's bill, which would overturn the Copyright Royalty Board's disappointing decision to dramatically raise fees for companies that stream music over the Internet. We will work with Congress to craft a solution that helps ensure the survival of a fledgling audio platform."

It would appear that the NAB wants to fight for this platform because THEY BROADCAST IN THIS MANNER. Despite the fact that they want you to believe that they are a "local business", internet radio (available nationally and internationally) is a booming business for the members of the NAB. In fact, it accounted for $200,000,000 in revenues for terrestrial radio stations in 2006!!!!

So, what we have on one hand is the NAB fighting FOR a "fledgling" internet radio industry, but wanting to fight AGAINST a "fledgling" satellite radio audio platform on the other hand. The double speak is beginning to get even deeper than I thought it would!!!! Since when does the NAB carry an interest in a "fledgling audio platform"? Ever seen the stance of the NAB on the "fledgling" Low Power FM proposals? Take a look, you will find their position very interesting.

However, as a SDARS supporter, I am glad to see that the NAB will be spending resources to protect Sirius Internet Radio and XM Internet Radio.

4/27/2007 10:40:00 AM

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