[78-L] This Will Make Radio Even MORE Dead

[Alan Bunting]

I think Uncle Dave is taking rather a pesisimistic view. Here in the UK royalties have always been paid to both artists and composers for music broadcast and I remember being most surprised some years ago when I first learned that this was not so in the USA. 

It hasn't stopped the BBC still owning 4 symphony orchestras and a concert orchestra although, sadly, no light orchestras.  BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3 and countless commercial stations still broadcast huge quantities of music. The fact that most of it is not to my taste is another matter! 

Although I strongly oppose the 70 year copyright extension which may be about to happen in Europe, I do respect the right of performers to earn a living from their performances during the existing copyright period.

It is my understanding that playing records is "free" on American radio stations is because it was originally seen by the record companies as a good source of advertising so they allowed it to happen.

Alan Bunting 

--- On Mon, 11/5/09, David Lewis <uncledavelewis at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Dear Recording Academy Member:
> In February, I told our worldwide GRAMMY telecast audience
> about our quest for a performance right for artists whose
> music is broadcast on AM/FM radio.
> My message today is for our insiders-Recording Academy
> members. We are at a critical moment in this pursuit, and
> now is the time to act. A vote in the U.S. House Judiciary
> Committee is imminent, so your representative needs to hear
> from you today or tomorrow (May 11 or 12).
> Royalties are paid to performers by U.S. Internet radio and
> satellite radio, and by terrestrial broadcasters everywhere
> in the developed world. But in the U.S., AM/FM radio does
> not pay for the music it uses. The Performance Rights Act
> would close the "corporate radio loophole" that prevents
> artists from earning royalties when their work is used by
> the $16 billion radio industry. If you believe that
> performers should be compensated whenever another business
> profits from their work, please take three minutes and place
> a call to your legislator's office. It's quick and easy.
> Simply go to www.grammy.com/musicfirst and click "Call Now"
> for instructions.
> Together, we can establish this important right for our
> music community.
> Kind regards,
> 
> Neil Portnow
> President/CEO
> The Recording Academy
> 
> In other words, say hello to world where broadcast radio is
> news and talk, 24 hours a day, on every station.
> 
> Uncle Dave Lewis
> uncledavelewis at hotmail.com