How many of us have heard of the Internet Radio Fairness Act, and if we do know it, how many of us really understand what it's trying to do? The Electronic Frontier Foundation has explained it and its benefits and all in all it sounds like a really good idea- however, perhaps it's because we don't fully understand all parts of the article that it seems so good.

Assuming they know what the Internet Radio Fairness Act is doing for them, or against them, 125 musical artists have all signed their name to an open letter opposing the act because it would take away some of their royalties. According to Reuters, they'd be losing out on 85% or royalties for using the songs by these artists, who include Rihanna, Billy Joe, Ludacris, Blondie, Collbie Callait, and CeeLo Green, to name but a few. Responding to their fears and criticism, Tim Westergren, one of the founders of Pandora, a prime internet radio streaming website, explained the great possibilities that may come to fruition if the bill is passed: "Passage of the IRFA will mean more jobs in a sustainable industry, more choices for listeners, and more opportunities and revenue for working artists and their record labels. When the digital music sector is allowed to grow and innovate, everybody wins." Likewise, a spokesperson for the fairness act said: "[w]e respect the artists' concerns and are willing to work with them through the legislative process to create a healthy, sustainable, growing Internet radio business that benefits them as well as labels, distributors and consumers." 

Both sides of the argument seem to thin their way will be a happily-ever-after situation. We guess perhaps not.