I just received this e-mail and although I do a lot of political reading I find all the different legislation confusing. With all the attacks on the internet and the practice of wrapping a nasty process with a worthy intent to hide the truth... anyway I may have missed it but does anyone here know if this is worth contacting my senators about? The fact that they only listed Kelly Ayotte and not Jeanne Shaheen is also a little strange.
Hi there,
This is Tim, the founder of Pandora.
I am writing to ask for your urgent help. An important piece of legislation has just been introduced in Congress that could end long-standing discrimination against Internet radio. I'm asking that you contact your Senator to urge them to support the Internet Radio Fairness Act.
This bipartisan bill will correct the incredible inequity in how different digital radio formats are treated under the law when it comes to setting royalties. The difference is quite extraordinary. In 2011, Pandora paid over 50% of our revenues in performance royalties, while SiriusXM paid less than 10%.
As a lifelong musician, I'm fully supportive of artist compensation, but this situation can't continue. Internet radio is bringing millions of listeners back to music, and is playing the songs of tens of thousands of promising artists who would otherwise never be heard. It should be given a fair chance to succeed.
To voice your support for this initiative, please reach out to your Senator today and say you support the Internet Radio Fairness Act.
Senator: Kelly Ayotte
Click here to email: http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/...
If you'd like more information about the Internet Radio Fairness Act you can learn more here.
It's crucial that Congress hears from fans of Internet radio today. Thanks for your support, and thanks for being a loyal listener.
Tim Westergren
Tim Westergren
Founder, Pandora