Talks, But Not Negotiations, Trudge Forward
Former Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., the president of the National Association of Broadcasters, hopes he can be the one to resolve the endless standoff between artists and radio stations over royalties, which AM and FM stations pay to publishers and songwriters but not musicians when the stations air songs.
Smith said he "certainly" hopes the issue can be resolved while he is top guy at the NAB, noting talks are ongoing with the Recording Industry Association of America. "I'd love to be the person to do that, but not if it costs us the radio industry," he said. After passing the Judiciary panels in both chambers, legislation for new fees has moved further than ever before. With Smith ascending to the top NAB spot late last year, it had looked like the hard-fought issue might have better prospects than ever. For now, though, the groups remain at loggerheads.
Smith said that although he is talking to the recording industry about the issue, "finding a middle ground is extremely difficult." One possibility on the table is to redirect money that radio stations are currently paying to play songs--but which is not heading to musicians--toward the artists. "We are talking," he said. "I can't describe it as negotiating."
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Intellectual Property
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