Washington - The Digital Media Association (DiMA), which represents large webcasters like Yahoo, (NASD: YHOO) AOL (NYSE: TWX) and Microsoft (NASD: MSFT), has filed a brief asking the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) to refer the question of whether or not an interactive music stream needs a separate "reproduction" license, in addition to the performance license they already pay, to the U.S. Copyright Office, Billboard reported. "Digital music services believe that digital performances are like radio and should require a performance license only," DiMA said in a statement, referring to the license that both webcasters and radio broadcasters pay to performing rights organizations ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

DiMA further noted that the CRB is about to determine royalties for such services, and "clarifying whether the (reproduction) royalty should be applied to Internet radio and other digital music streams is now necessary and unavoidable."

In a quick response, at least one music publisher, Sony/ATV, has told the Harry Fox Agency to stop licensing its repertoire for streaming or limited downloads, Billboard reported, adding that other major publishers are expected to follow suit.

"This action taken by DiMA is a slap in the face to every songwriter in America," David Israelite, president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association, told Billboard.

"In addition to breaking their promise, DiMA is taking the unconscionable position that they shouldn't pay songwriters for the use of their songs."

Such moves by publishers would likely have a negative impact on Internet music services provided by RealNetworks, Napster, Microsoft, MTV and others.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1wxb6 (Billboard)

http://snipurl.com/1wxb4 (Billboard)

http://www.sonyatv.com

http://www.digmedia.org (DiMA)