The National Association of Broadcasters has recently stepped up efforts to fight proposed legislation that would charge broadcast radio stations performance royalties. Internet and satelllite broadcasters already pay the royalty.
The latest NAB campaign includes some aggressive television advertising that touts the promotional value of radio and claims that new royalties will force stations off the air.
This week, top music industry organizations fought back:
The Recording Industry Association of America, Music Managers Forum, American Association of Independent Music, and others say that the promotional value of radio has declined dramatically because fans now get their music from a wider variety of sources.
The musicFirst coalition of artists and studios argued, "Is there any legitimate reason why broadcasters should be able to build a business using our music without our being paid or at least having the right to say no thanks? The answer, of course, is no."
