After much criticism, Clear Channel is dropping it's demand that indie and new artists waive their rights to royalties in exchange for possible airplay on its chain of radio stations and exposure on its web sites. The new artist program had only been put into place as part of a settlement with the FCC over payola allegations.
The new contract wording reads:
"...in the instance when Clear Channel makes the decision to use the Content for terrestrial broadcasting and, as a result, for simultaneous transmission through online streaming ("online streaming"), Clear Channel shall be subject to and pay for all applicable current and future statutory royalties as well as public performance royalties due for any such use of Content."
The contract goes on extend the same royalty payments to streaming, downloads and other uses.
