AFL-CIO Urges Support For Royalty Bill
The AFL-CIO is urging members of Congress to pass legislation that would require AM and FM radio stations to pay performers and record labels a new fee for playing their music. The legislation has been approved by both the House and Senate Judiciary committees.
In his letter last week to members of Congress, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said paying performers for playing their music on radio "is an issue of basic fairness for working families." He added that there is "also a question of fairness in competition. AM/FM radio is the only outlet to get a free ride; satellite radio and Webcasters pay performers for use of their music."
Broadcasters argue that artists benefit greatly from the exposure they get from the airplay their music gets on radio stations and add that a new fee will impose a financial burden on stations already struggling in a tough economy. Those arguments have gained some traction in Congress. More than 250 House members and more than two dozen senators have signed on to resolutions in each chamber opposing the legislation requiring radio stations to pay a new fee. But Trumka also urged those lawmakers that have signed on to the House and Senate resolutions opposing the performance rights legislation to "take a second look" at the legislation, adding there is "no argument to be made about financial hardships for broadcasters."
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Intellectual Property
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