US Public Affairs - 30/06/09

Music Performers In US Policy Fight For Payment From Broadcasters

"Performance-rights groups and broadcasters went head-to-head Wednesday as the two sides testified before the United States Congress as to whether conventional radio broadcasters should pay performance musicians if the broadcasters play their music.

US lawmakers have introduced The Performance Rights Act in both the House and the Senate in an effort to make sure performing artists are compensated when their sound recordings are played over the radio. Radio stations pay songwriters in the US for the right to broadcast, but not performers. Satellite radio and internet radio, as well as cable companies, do pay for the same right." [IPWatch]