Congress expected to move on copyright, Internet radio issues

With Congress due to adjourn Friday, lawmakers worked late Thursday evening to resolve a couple of high profile digital-entertainment issues. A "Webcasting" bill was introduced in Congress on Thursday that would allow SoundExchange, the body that collects royalties on behalf of the music industry, to reach a settlement on royalty rates with the Digital Media Association (DiMA) after Congress adjourns. SoundExchange and DiMA, which represents Web radio stations such as Pandora, have been at odds over the fees charged to stream music. Sources close to the talks say the introduction of the bill signals the two sides are close to cutting a deal. "They wouldn't be seeking the government's blessing unless they were close," said one person with knowledge of the talks. The two sides need the government's OK to reach an agreement because they're after a statutory license. Such a license gives Web radio stations the right to stream any copyright songs they want, but also requires them to pay a negotiated rate. The bill would give the two sides until mid-December to cut a deal. Pandora and other Webcasters fiercely object to a decision by the Copyright Royalty Board--a three-judge panel that sets rates for copyright statutory licenses--to double the current $.0008 price per stream by 2010.