Submission + - Don't Let Congress Hurt Satellite Radio!
vivin writes: "I recently received an email from XM radio, with whom I have a subscription. Their service has been pretty good, and I have been able to enjoy commercial-free music (well, although not now, as I am in Iraq) for about a year. The gist of the email is that powerful special interests are pressuring Congress (and suing XM) to pass legislation that will prevent XM radio subscribers from using XM's new radios that will allow them to record music to listen later (similar to TiVo's service). In their words, "The big record labels want more". I think they have a point. If I'm already paying them for subscription, and that money is already being used to pay royalties to the labels and artists, then I should be allowed to download the music I have already paid for. Here is the full text of the email:
"Powerful special interests are pressuring Congress to prevent XM subscribers like you from having access to more music choices and new technologies. If they get their way, it will be much tougher for satellite radio to keep bringing you the unique and innovative artists you find on XM. We are asking you to help us by calling 800-303-3263 to tell your Representative you support XM Radio and oppose legislation that would hurt satellite radio.
Let me explain: With 69 commercial-free digital music channels, XM provides an outlet for recording artists of virtually every musical style and genre.
XM has been a good friend to the music industry and, more importantly, to artists and songwriters. XM helps listeners discover new artists and rediscover forgotten favorites, stimulating CD and concert ticket sales.
We make sure artists and songwriters are fairly compensated for their music: XM pays a portion of your subscription fees to them and their record labels for the music you hear. Satellite radio has already paid tens of millions of dollars in royalties — and over the coming years it could pay hundreds of millions more. By contrast, conventional AM and FM radio stations pay nothing to recording artists or their record labels.
The Section 115 Reform Act legislation before the House Judiciary Committee would stop us from offering radios that allow you to record XM channels for your later listening — in the same way that TiVo allows you to record TV for later viewing.
If the special interests and their allies in Congress get their way, you'll get fewer music choices and less new technology for years to come.
I hope you will call 800-303-3263 between the hours of 9 am & 6 pm to ask your Representative to oppose H.R. 5553.
Please visit us at www.xmradio.com/grassroots if you want to learn more about this issue.
Thank you for being a part of the XM Nation. With your support, XM Satellite Radio will continue to bring you the highest quality music, talk, sports, news and innovation.
Best Wishes,
Hugh Panero
CEO of XM Satellite Radio""
"Powerful special interests are pressuring Congress to prevent XM subscribers like you from having access to more music choices and new technologies. If they get their way, it will be much tougher for satellite radio to keep bringing you the unique and innovative artists you find on XM. We are asking you to help us by calling 800-303-3263 to tell your Representative you support XM Radio and oppose legislation that would hurt satellite radio.
Let me explain: With 69 commercial-free digital music channels, XM provides an outlet for recording artists of virtually every musical style and genre.
XM has been a good friend to the music industry and, more importantly, to artists and songwriters. XM helps listeners discover new artists and rediscover forgotten favorites, stimulating CD and concert ticket sales.
We make sure artists and songwriters are fairly compensated for their music: XM pays a portion of your subscription fees to them and their record labels for the music you hear. Satellite radio has already paid tens of millions of dollars in royalties — and over the coming years it could pay hundreds of millions more. By contrast, conventional AM and FM radio stations pay nothing to recording artists or their record labels.
The Section 115 Reform Act legislation before the House Judiciary Committee would stop us from offering radios that allow you to record XM channels for your later listening — in the same way that TiVo allows you to record TV for later viewing.
If the special interests and their allies in Congress get their way, you'll get fewer music choices and less new technology for years to come.
I hope you will call 800-303-3263 between the hours of 9 am & 6 pm to ask your Representative to oppose H.R. 5553.
Please visit us at www.xmradio.com/grassroots if you want to learn more about this issue.
Thank you for being a part of the XM Nation. With your support, XM Satellite Radio will continue to bring you the highest quality music, talk, sports, news and innovation.
Best Wishes,
Hugh Panero
CEO of XM Satellite Radio""
