Music May Be Off Radio Before Talk

[greenego]

Heard about this on WQUT in the TRI-Cites.

101.5-WQUT Tri-Cities Classic Rock!

What's Going On

Radio Royalties Bill - Urgent

Have you heard about this? A bill has been introduced in Congress that would keep WQUT from playing the music you love! It's true! You see, most of the record labels are now owned by foreign companies and they're demanding that Congress pass new laws requiring radio stations to pay them millions of dollars a year or… quit playing music! We think they're looking for a big bail out at radio's expense... Music stations like WQUT would have to turn to talk, news or sports to try to make a living. You would have to find another way to hear your favorite music without having to pay for it yourself. This is just not right.

Since the very beginning… American record companies and artists have encouraged radio to play their songs. That relationship has been a big factor in the careers of hundreds of artists. Radio Royalties Bill Number 848 has been introduced. Please, help us stop this bill by calling or emailing your Congressional representative and advising them to oppose the Radio Royalties Bill. Keep the music going!

Congressional Contact Info

Phil Roe - 1st District Tennessee

Phone: 423-354-0144

DC Phone: 202-225-6356

DC Fax: 202-225-5714

Send An Email John J. Duncan, Jr. - 2nd District Tennessee

Phone: 423-745-4671

DC Phone: 202-225-5435

DC Fax: 202-225-6440

Send An Email

Zach Wamp - 3rd District Tennessee

Phone: 800-883-2369

DC Phone: 202-225-3271

DC Fax: 202-225-3494

Send An Email

Rick Boucher - 9th District Virginia

Phone: 276-628-1154

DC Phone: 202-225-3861

DC Fax: 202-225-0442

Send An Email

[Guest ScottD]

I'm a Sirius subscriber, haven't listened to terrestrial music in years.

[G27]

I'd suggest people research this bill before knee-jerking based on the article published by the radio station above. The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848, S.379) would correct a loophole in the copyright law by removing the broadcaster exemption to assure that all platforms are treated equally and pay a performance royalty to artists. Artists get paid a small amount every time the radio station plays their music, and up until now, radio stations in this country under-report (or often not reporting) - they are essentially using the artist's work to promote their business for free.

I'm FOR this bill, so I urge anyone interested in this to actually read the bill before deciding...

[Mike.357]

I pay for Sirius.

I am not sure why the populace feels entitled to free stuff. I understand the airwaves of traditional radio and TV have always been free, with the exception of advertising anyway. I am not sure if advertising is worth it. Aside from commercial radio sucking the big one.

Same with TV. Why did the government pay a buttload of money so people couid get discounted converter boxes? Why are they entitled to the gov't tit? If you want to watch TV then pony up and pay.

[TripleDigitRide]

As an unbelievably happy customer of Sirius, I could care less if all of testicular radio disappears. Ten or fifteen minutes of actual content per hour is hardly worth listening, even if it's free to the listener.

With companies such as Clear Channel going through bankruptcy, it's not likely they'll have the abilities to pay royalties.

Edited June 16, 2009 by TripleDigitRide

[saintsfanbrian]

Actually, Mike, it is the big corporations that must pony up and pay for me to be able to watch TV.

I got rid of all pay for music/TV subscriptions I had because I was tired of commercials. Even the XM radio that I used to have had commercials.

My opinion is that if I am paying for it I shouldn't be forced to watch commercials.

I don't go to movies any more because they have commercials during the previews. I didn't pay $8 to see a commercial or even for previews. I paid to see a movie.

I get my TV and my radio over the air. I help "support" it by purchasing products at the local store.

[Steelharp]

Crimson, I respectfully disagree. That bill is nothing like it appears to be at first glance. That bill is supported by the major labels and giant radio stations. It is intended to put all competition out of business. If they get it passed you can kiss any airplay of independent artists goodbye forever because all those little stations that have been playing you will be forced out of business. The part they don't tell you is that Sony, Warner Brothers & Clear Channel are the ones who decide what is fair. FWIW, the "records" that would have to be used to pay ALL the "proper parties" include the actual recording session records, and good luck with that. They are on little yellow sheets that are loooooooong gone.

[G27]

I guess we agree to disagree, then. I've long felt that terrestrial radio in the US was unfair as they don't fairly pay proper performance fees consistently.

Most countries outside of the US utilize the ISRC subcode data embedded in the recording to track spins - it's an automated system and somehow terrestrial radio has survived there...

[Mike.357]

it is the big corporations that must pony up and pay for me to be able to watch TV.

I stand corrected.

You flatlanders have that benefit. TV reception on my side of the ridge is somewhere between little and none.

[Guest TurboniumOxide]

I have noticed a definite liberal infiltration of Talk onto the airwaves in place of other shows. Like Randy Rhodes on XM165? Why not on America Left? She makes me want to barf, she is so off the edge. But as Sun Tsu says all the time: "Study the enemy for barf is small price to pay for victory."

[Guest jwp]

I'd suggest people research this bill before knee-jerking based on the article published by the radio station above. The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848, S.379) would correct a loophole in the copyright law by removing the broadcaster exemption to assure that all platforms are treated equally and pay a performance royalty to artists. Artists get paid a small amount every time the radio station plays their music, and up until now, radio stations in this country under-report (or often not reporting) - they are essentially using the artist's work to promote their business for free.

I'm FOR this bill, so I urge anyone interested in this to actually read the bill before deciding...

So you're saying that the BDS system that "recognizes" the tags for all music played, and then logs it for the BMI/ASCAP/SESAC reports are wrong?

That's absurd.

I will agree that many years ago there might have been a problem with under reporting, but since the advent of BDS/Monitor that has all gone away.

[Steelharp]

There is a huge wealth of stuff before that time frame.

[G27]

So you're saying that the BDS system that "recognizes" the tags for all music played, and then logs it for the BMI/ASCAP/SESAC reports are wrong?

That's absurd.

I will agree that many years ago there might have been a problem with under reporting, but since the advent of BDS/Monitor that has all gone away.

BDS doesn't monitor every station. Look up your local stations and you'll likely find several - even some larger stations - that aren't monitored.

[Guest jwp]

BDS doesn't monitor every station. Look up your local stations and you'll likely find several - even some larger stations - that aren't monitored.

They're all monitored.

Not all are "reporting" stations though.

There is a difference.

Beyond that, there is if anything, an over reporting of song rotation being reported if the station is using their internal logs from Selector, Jones, Scott or PowerGold and not their monitor data. It is not uncommon for songs appearing on the playlist to be bumped due to time (TOH, long breaks and so on) but still show up on the log as having been played.

Edited June 16, 2009 by jwp

[G27]

They're all monitored.

Not all are "reporting" stations though.

There is a difference.

Indeed, I service both reporting and non-reporting stations all over the country. Not the issue here.

Beyond that, there is if anything, an over reporting of song rotation being reported if the station is using their internal logs from Selector, Jones, Scott or PowerGold and not their monitor data. It is not uncommon for songs appearing on the playlist to be bumped due to time (TOH, long breaks and so on) but still show up on the log as having been played.

Wait, this makes zero sense:

1- BDS is an automated system (where it's used), not relying on playlists supplied by the station. Makes no difference what the station has on it's playlist, unless it's broadcast, BDS doesn't note it. Are you suggesting stations are over-reporting by using play-logs instead of the broadcast monitor logs? Why would they do that?

2- If BDS is prone to errors, either way, it needs to be replaced by a fully automated, passive system like is used overseas (very effectively).

3- If it's only an issue of over-reporting, why is the radio stations are generally against this legislation while the artists generally for it?

Aside from the cost of the logging system, there's no downside to a more accurate system. If radio stations are already being over charged (for rotations they don't actually spin) why would they not want to pay less?

Hey, I could be wrong - this could be terrible legislation - but all the artists I've spoken with about it badly want it as they know they're being underreported (and therefor not rightfully paid) on a daily basis.

The real issue is that radio stations are slowly dying and are looking for any avenue they have to hold on to more cash. Even the station managers I talk to will tell you this.

Edited June 16, 2009 by crimsonaudio

[Guest jwp]

Indeed, I service both reporting and non-reporting stations all over the country. Not the issue here.

Reporting only means that the content they air ends up as tabulated airplay for "Top 40" lists and the like collected for Billboard and the now defunct Radio and Records.

Wait, this makes zero sense:

1- BDS is an automated system (where it's used), not relying on playlists supplied by the station. Makes no difference what the station has on it's playlist, unless it's broadcast, BDS doesn't note it. Are you suggesting stations are over-reporting by using play-logs instead of the broadcast monitor logs? Why would they do that?

There is an option to use either the BDS system or your own logs or the provided "ballot" log from which ever Publishing Guild is performing the audit.

Hey, I could be wrong - this could be terrible legislation - but all the artists I've spoken with about it badly want it as they know they're being underreported (and therefor not rightfully paid) on a daily basis.

It's a horrible idea. It's another manuver by the RIAA to extract more money for themselves and the record labels, and not for the artists.

The real issue is that radio stations are slowly dying and are looking for any avenue they have to hold on to more cash. Even the station managers I talk to will tell you this.

Radio stations are not dying. Large corporate ownership is.

[Guest abailey362]

sirius subscribers will feel the effect of royalty laws starting next month. got this email yesterday

Thank you for being a SIRIUS subscriber. We are dedicated to providing our subscribers with the best programming and listener experience available on radio today. As part of this commitment, we have an important update regarding your SIRIUS subscription.

Music royalty rights were established by the U.S. Congress as part of the Copyright Act. This Act requires payment of copyright music royalties to recording artists, musicians and recording companies who hold copyrights in sound recordings.

These royalties have recently increased dramatically, principally as a result of a decision made by the Copyright Royalty Board, which is designated by the Library of Congress to set royalty rates for sound recordings. Beginning on July 29, 2009, a “U.S. Music Royalty Fee” of $1.98/month* for primary subscriptions and $.97/month* for multi-receiver subscriptions will be effective upon your next renewal. This fee will be used directly to offset increased payments from SIRIUS XM to the recording industry.

Unfortunately, we cannot control the Copyright Royalty Board's rate increase, but we can offer you ways to save on your subscription. The longer your subscription, the more you save!

[memphismason]

I'm a Sirius subscriber, haven't listened to terrestrial music in years.

+1

[memphismason]

sirius subscribers will feel the effect of royalty laws starting next month. got this email yesterday

Thank you for being a SIRIUS subscriber. We are dedicated to providing our subscribers with the best programming and listener experience available on radio today. As part of this commitment, we have an important update regarding your SIRIUS subscription.

Music royalty rights were established by the U.S. Congress as part of the Copyright Act. This Act requires payment of copyright music royalties to recording artists, musicians and recording companies who hold copyrights in sound recordings.

These royalties have recently increased dramatically, principally as a result of a decision made by the Copyright Royalty Board, which is designated by the Library of Congress to set royalty rates for sound recordings. Beginning on July 29, 2009, a “U.S. Music Royalty Fee†of $1.98/month* for primary subscriptions and $.97/month* for multi-receiver subscriptions will be effective upon your next renewal. This fee will be used directly to offset increased payments from SIRIUS XM to the recording industry.

Unfortunately, we cannot control the Copyright Royalty Board's rate increase, but we can offer you ways to save on your subscription. The longer your subscription, the more you save!

I will gladly pay the extra amount it is worth it.

[E4 No More]

I listen to music on my phone. Screw all of them.

[TripleDigitRide]

sirius subscribers will feel the effect of royalty laws starting next month. got this email yesterday

Thank you for being a SIRIUS subscriber. We are dedicated to providing our subscribers with the best programming and listener experience available on radio today. As part of this commitment, we have an important update regarding your SIRIUS subscription.

Music royalty rights were established by the U.S. Congress as part of the Copyright Act. This Act requires payment of copyright music royalties to recording artists, musicians and recording companies who hold copyrights in sound recordings.

These royalties have recently increased dramatically, principally as a result of a decision made by the Copyright Royalty Board, which is designated by the Library of Congress to set royalty rates for sound recordings. Beginning on July 29, 2009, a “U.S. Music Royalty Fee†of $1.98/month* for primary subscriptions and $.97/month* for multi-receiver subscriptions will be effective upon your next renewal. This fee will be used directly to offset increased payments from SIRIUS XM to the recording industry.

Unfortunately, we cannot control the Copyright Royalty Board's rate increase, but we can offer you ways to save on your subscription. The longer your subscription, the more you save!

I'd be more than willing to pay far more than $.97/month extra if needed.

[enfield]

Except for the oldies stations (rock, country, swing) music left radio 30 years ago. Disco, rap and new country never qualified as music. Now, thanks to Sirius, I could care less.