His comments came Wednesday after a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the future of radio. The Copyright Royalty Board's controversial rate hike for webcasters was one of several hot topics discussed by witnesses and lawmakers.

Simson said he expects to have a resolution with NPR and other noncommercial song-streamers by the end of the year. Officials from both sides were expected to meet this week to continue their negotiations.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Potter, whose Digital Media Association represents America Online, Pandora, Yahoo and other large webcasters, said he still awaits details on the rate that SoundExchange wants his members to pay.

DiMA and SoundExchange reached a deal in late August to cap the Internet radio "$500 per channel minimum royalty" at $50,000 per service. The groups also agreed that beginning in six months webcasters will provide SoundExchange with a full census of songs performed.