A new year, a new Congress, a new set of challenges. Only days after the 110th Congress was sworn in, a new anti-satellite radio bill is hitting the Senate that reintroduces the basic concepts of The Perform Act.
This time it's championed by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), along with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). Thankfully though, Senator Feinstein seems to be without the support of Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
The bill would set new rules for the satellite radio medium - creating new rates and content standards supposedly similar to those of Internet radio - and it's unsurprisingly supported by the oh-so-popular RIAA. The RIAA's Chairman/CEO Mitch Bainwol stated:
"This early play by Sen. Feinstein and her colleagues should leave no doubt that policymakers continue to view parity among digital music services as a top priority. And a top priority it should be. Under the current system, satellite radio has been allowed to morph into a digital distribution service – shorting the creators of music, displacing licensed sales and threatening the integrity of the digital music marketplace in the process. We love satellite radio. But this is simply no way to do business. It’s in everyone’s best interest to ensure a marketplace where fair competition can thrive.”
Here we go again.
[via FMQB]
I'm amazed how much satellite radio get attacked and put under intense scrutiny. I've sent e-mail's to senator's defending satellite radio (I don't know what else to do) and feel helpless about this.
One can't help but think that one day the RIAA and Congress will one day get there way and satellite radio as we know and love it will be changed for the worse.
Nancy gets some cash for her California crowd and blesses the merger. Subs get fixed pricing. Everyone wins.
Make it so.
Hate those guys! I think I hear the jerk store calling.
Oh wait that's what we need. More legislation! What would we EVER do without congress?
The sad thing is that Satellite Radio is already helping the record industry more than they must realize, by helping people discover new artists, and rediscover old ones, which many times leads to more record sales, and hence money back in the RIAA's pockets!
These satellite radio receivers that record are NOT recording "high quality digital copies" of music. They are recording compressed versions, that often have the beginnings or endings cut off or have DJ's or other audio overlayed.
Will the RIAA push for the same thing the first time a digital device that records HD Radio finds its way to market? I highly doubt it!
Satellite radio fans unite..... XM and SIRIUS need to work together to counter this type of politcal BS, and so do the fans. If we want SatRad to succeed, and of course we all love our XM and SIRIUS, We need to do our part in fighting these political SOB's.
Yes, of those first "100" hours this is certainly worthy of attention. It's moments like these that provide a distinguished clarity of how much bribery and corruption has infiltrated the U.S. congress.
With this new measure we can mark its supporters on the list of those that are filling their coffers with the money bags of the NAB and RIAA.
Its no surprise to me that Senator Feinstein is leading the crusade against SATRADIO. Where does most of the recording industry record? In the L.A and S.F. areas, I’m sure that she is getting her fair share of back pocket funds from the lobbyists that own the recording studios. Like she could care less about the SATRADIO industry, after being re-elected this past November for another 6-year term. Crap!
I am going to write her a letter also, this is ridiculous. Thank god for the Dems, they are going to solve all of the pressing issues in America. I guess no matter who is in power we are screwed.
Hey Bitch Bainwol,
Go shit in your hat.
WF
Bullshit...this would be the end of sat radio. I would prob cancel my sub, all i do is record. In fact I rely on recording to enjoy the product. Its recording right now so i can listen to it later.
Why is IPOD not a threat? All the music consumers put on the device is PIRATED! Sat radio can set up an itunes also.
Why not attack Tivo and other television recording devices. Thats the same concept except paying advertisers are getting ripped off!
Im sure there are plenty of other things out that effecting piracy. Why cant sirius just start their own recording label...start a revolution of free music. will be like the new age woodstock...haha