Two high-profile trade groups that represent music industry interests on Capitol Hill are joining forces in a no-holds-barred battle against the National Association of Broadcasters as the 111th Congress begins. The Recording Artists' Coalition, which gained attention for its superstar supporters like Christina Aguilera, Don Henley and Madonna, is being swallowed by the Recording Academy, the group best known for producing the annual Grammy Awards and Grammys on the Hill educational program, officials told CongressDaily.

A bill sponsored last year by House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers passed a key subcommittee and a companion measure was introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy. Broadcasters called the proposal "a tax on local radio" and mounted a campaign in opposition. A resolution by Texas Reps. Gene Green, a Democrat, and Republican Mike Conaway, garnered over 200 co-sponsors. Read the full story in CongressDaily (subscription required).

Tech Daily Dose Extra: Daryl Friedman, the Recording Academy's top lobbyist, said there is plenty more on his group's agenda on Capitol Hill. A tax bill that passed years ago in the wake of the Enron scandal but took effect this year to limit a loophole in executive compensation could negatively impact musicians who get advanced payment for their work, he said. It is a common practice in the music business to pay a portion of an artist's fee before the end of a contract. The sporting industry is also worried about the tax law change and will likely team up with Friedman's group to push for a legislative correction.