Cox Media Group Supporting Internet Radio Fairness Act

Cox Media Group is now offering support for the proposed Internet Radio Fairness Act, which would put Internet radio stations on the same standard used to set music royalty fees as those paid by cable and satellite radio stations. CMG Director of Communications Andy McDill says in a statement, "Cox Media Group supports efforts, including the Internet Radio Fairness Act, to reform royalty rates for Internet radio. We believe the current royalty system for Internet radio actually hinders its future and growth. Cox Media Group strongly believes in a vibrant internet radio marketplace, where artists, broadcasters and our listeners benefit from a sustainable rate setting process." Although Cox Media Group is offering support for the proposed legislation, CMG has not officially joined the Internet Radio Fairness Coalition, formed last month by Pandora, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, the Computer and Communications Industry Association, the Consumer Electronics Association and others. The House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet is expected to hold a hearing on the Internet Radio Fairness Act in the near future. The legislation is not expected to be officially introduced before the end of 2012, but the hearing would be used to set up the issues going into the new year.