WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the announcement by the Copyright Royalty Board of new webcast royalty rates for 2016-2020, the following statement can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton:
"We are reviewing the CRB decision, but are pleased that streaming rates have begun to move in the right direction. Broadcasters want to expand into new distribution platforms; the challenge has been that rates are too high for thousands of local stations. We hope today’s decision alleviates some of the rate burden and will enable more radio stations to stream music, which will benefit artists, songwriters and our millions of listeners."
On background, for the past five years most local radio stations have paid streaming rates nearly double those of “pureplay” streaming services. For example, most NAB member radio stations that stream music pay 25 cents for every 100 songs streamed, compared to the rate paid by Pandora, which is 14 cents for every 100 songs streamed.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests
in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education
and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities,
strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital
age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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