This wasn’t much in doubt once the NAB dropped its opposition to it, but the Senate has passed the Webcaster Settlement Act, which the House passed a few days ago. The bill gives a little bit of life to internet radio stations, like Pandora, which had warned that if internet broadcasters were not allowed to negotiate royalties, the economics of their business wouldn’t be feasible. Once President Bush gives his rubber stamp, er, signature, internet broadcasters can get back to other pressing issues—like how they can make their businesses work, even with better royalty rates. More here on the Pandora blog.

• House Spares Internet Radio After NAB Relents On Royalty Rate Law; Senate Next
• Will Pandora Play ‘The End’ Soon? Royalty Rate Hikes Could Be Its Demise