Copyright Scholar Backs Radio 'Performance Royalty'
A performance-right for recording artists whose music is played on AM and FM radio would "correct a needless exception in U.S. copyright law," according to the Progress and Freedom Foundation's Tom Sydnor. The digital property pundit weighed in on the issue that has created a major rift between the music industry and broadcasters.
In a paper released Wednesday, Sydnor says passage of legislation that has been introduced in the House and Senate "would harmonize U.S. copyright law with those of other countries, benefiting both U.S. recording artists and the U.S. economy." He counters two often cited arguments for the discrepancy: promotional value for the recording artist and the public interest obligations put on broadcast platforms.
Read more of Sydnor's thoughts here. Meanwhile, supporters from both camps are canvassing Capitol Hill this week. On my way back from a morning hearing, I encountered a swarm of National Association of Broadcasters members brandishing buttons that urge lawmakers to oppose the so-called "tax" on local radio.
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