Tim Westergren, former musician and now president of the popular online music service Pandora writes:
The radio royalty system as it stands today is fundamentally unfair both to Internet radio services like Pandora, which pay far higher royalties than other forms of radio and to performing musicians, who receive no compensation when their music is played on AM/FM radio. There is a very important vote in the Senate this coming Thursday, October 15th, on a piece of legislation that represents a potentially major step forward in correcting both of these issues – establishing both a more level playing field across all radio and ensuring that artists are fairly compensated.
We, along with the artists whose music we play, strongly support this new legislation called the Performance Rights Act (S. 379) and hope that you’ll lend your voice to this effort. Here’s a link for more information on the bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.379:
Please take just a minute to call the number below and ask Senator Dianne Feinstein to vote for the Performance Rights Act (S.379).
Senator Dianne Feinstein
(202) 224-3841
It’s very easy to do, and I can tell you from our own experience that it really does make a difference.
This issue is near and dear to me. Before founding Pandora, I spent ten years as a working musician. I’ve always believed performers should get fairly compensated for the value they provide to radio so I really appreciate your help.
Thank you very much for your support.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
So the anti-establishment is turning to the establishment to use their authority to get money from the people who promote their art the most. Other than the irony of it, what will this do to marginal or unknown artists who will now be priced out of the radio market?
Cory I believe this is the same argument people use to harass limbaugh, clear channel, etc with must carry regulations