From today’s b, the paper

The federal Copyright Royalty Board on Thursday left the royalty that songwriters receive on sales of CDs and digital downloads at 9.1 cents per song for the next five years.
Both songwriters and music sellers applauded the ruling — but for different reasons. Apple Inc., which had threatened to shutter its iTunes store if the rate increased, appeared to have scored a clear win.
“We’re pleased with the CRB’s decision to keep royalty rates stable,” said Tom Neumayr, an Apple Inc. spokesman.
The Recording Industry Association of America, representing record labels, was pleased that the rate was frozen for the first time since 1977, meaning that if song prices increase, royalties will make up a falling percentage of the companies’ costs.
“No party got everything it wanted, yet at the end of the day, the certainty provided by this ruling is beneficial,” said Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the RIAA.
The last government hearing to set the so-called mechanical royalty rate was in 1980 and was triggered by a change in federal law.
Part of the disagreement stemmed from the vast array of new ways of distributing music and the rise of digital downloads — driven in large part by Apple’s iTunes store. Downloads had never been treated separately from CD sales, which are plummeting.
The Digital Media Association, representing online music stores including Apple and Amazon.com, said the decision will “help digital services and retailers continue to innovate and grow for the next several years.”
The National Music Publishers’ Association, which represented songwriters in the case, was happy the fees weren’t cut in a declining music market.
For ringtones, the federal agency set a new rate of 24 cents, roughly in line with industry practice of paying songwriters 10 percent of revenue on each $2.50 ringtone. {AP}

Castroneves indicted on tax charges
“Dancing with the Stars” champ/professional race car driver Helio Castroneves was indicted Thursday in Florida on conspiracy and tax evasion charges, People reports. He could face 35 years in prison.

Fey’s book worth $6 million
According to the New York Post, a proposal for a book by Tina Fey launched a bidding war, sending the payday toward $6 million. The book is being pitched as humorous nonfiction.

No longer on the ‘Fringe’
Fox has ordered up a full season of new drama “Fringe,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

De Niro, Scorsese to ride again
Director Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro are teaming up for another mob flick, according to Variety. “I Hear You Paint Houses” focuses on legendary mob assassin Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran.

Hybrid Yogi coming to theaters
Warner Brothers is developing a feature version of TV cartoon “Yogi Bear,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. It’s planned as a live-action/animated hybrid, a la 2007’s “Alvin & the Chipmunks.”

Underwood, Paisley at CMAs
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will co-host the Country Music Awards, OK! reports. The awards air at 8 p.m. Nov. 12 on ABC.

MTV Europe gets RickRolled
MTV Europe has a surprise contender in this year’s 2008 European Music Awards. Having opened up the category of “Best Act Ever” to write-in nominations, MTVE is the latest to fall victim to the now-aged “RickRoll” meme, as fans selected Rick Astley to battle with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Green Day, U2 and Tokio Hotel for this highest of award show high honors. Fans will vote for the winner.

{compiled by Jordan Bartel, b}

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