“Marking a milestone in the widely followed standoff between the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and Webcasters (particularly Internet radio stations), The House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill called Relief for Small Business Webcasters (H.R. 5469). The approval comes days after a previous vote had been cancelled amidst reports that deal was imminent between Webcasters and recording industry officials.

The vote comes only days before an October 20 deadline for Internet radio stations to begin paying royalty fees, including multiyear retroactive fees, for playing copyrighted songs. That deadline still stands, though, because the bill must still go through the Senate. Industry observers expect the Senate to address H.R. 5469 within the next few days.”