The RIAA is not happy with new satellite radio devices that allow recording and playback of copyrighted content that is broadcast over Sirius and XM radio services. This latest development should be no suprise to most people due to the RIAA's proven history of attempting to restrict and block the capability to record any type of copyrighted music content.
| The record industry, led by major labels, such as Vivendi Universal' (EAUG.PA: Quote, Profile, Research),> Warner Music Group Corp (WMG.N: Quote, Profile, Research), EMI Group Plc (EMI.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Sony BMG, believe the recording capability is a clear copyright violation and could take revenue away from paid download music services. Illegal song trading has been blamed by the record industry for declines in sales, and labels have become increasingly aggressive in their legal battles to defend their product. Now that focus includes portable players. "There are genuine issues here but it is our continuing hope that we can resolve this on a business to business basis," said an RIAA spokesman. Two music industry sources said that the two sides were in talks to resolve the issue and could go to court over the matter. |
The satellite radio services and users seem to disagree with the RIAA. Most people seem to believe that recording satellite radio uses the same concept as a DVR or a VCR. Satellite radio subscription pricing may rise in the year 2008, when the current RIAA contracts expire. A JP Morgan analyst speculates that the RIAA may seek over $1 billion in fees on the next contract with Satellite providers, up from the current $80 million pact. Check out the full article here. Discuss this in our Music Download, Peer to Peer (P2P) and Legal Issues forum, or react below.
Source: reuters
