Can Copyright Save The Radio Star?
This past week, the Free Market Royalty Act (H.R. 3219) was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Introduced by Representative Mel Watt (D-NC) at the end of September, the proposed legislation would create performance rights for copyright holders of sound recordings for all audio transmissions, not just “digital audio transmissions.” Radio stations would be required to pay royalties for performances over their airwaves, where as currently only cable, satellite and Internet radio stations are required to make such payments. The bill would end compulsory licensing for “noninteractive” digital audio performances, and permit all “noninteractive services” to negotiate royalty rates collectively for performances. The text of the bill can be found here.
