Performance Royalty Bill Expected To Be Blocked

SoundExchange is an independent, nonprofit performance rights organization that is designated by the U.S. Copyright Office to collect and distribute digital performance royalties for featured recording artists.

From FMQB Twitter update According to the NAB, a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives now opposes the controversial performance royalty rate. The Local Radio Freedom Act now has 220 House co-sponsors and 12 Senate co-sponsors. At least 218 House members are needed to have a majority and block the scheduling of a vote on the Performance Rights Act.

Adding their support to the Local Radio Freedom Act are Reps. Alcee Hastings (FL), Ron Kind (WI), Allyson Schwartz (PA), Bob Inglis (SC), Edward Royce (CA) and Ben Ray Lujan (NM). Sens. Jeff Bingaman (NM), Kay Hagan (NC), Jon Tester (MT), Christopher Bond (MO), Judd Gregg (NH), Mike Crapo (ID), and Roger Wicker (MS) have added their support to an identical resolution in the Senate.

"Today's milestone stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of NAB staff, our state association partners, and grassroots efforts of stations across America," said NAB Radio Board Chairman Steve Newberry, President/CEO of Kentucky-based Commonwealth Broadcasting. "But this fight on behalf of 235 million weekly listeners is far from over. Our continued success is dependent on radio broadcasters remaining engaged in building additional support in Congress, and in reminding lawmakers of radio's unparalleled promotional value for both record labels and artists."

"We salute Reps. Gene Green and Mike Conaway and the 218 additional House members who recognize that the proposed record label performance tax stands as a dire threat to the future of free and local radio," added Newberry.

Yesterday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers held a town hall meeting in Detroit on Tuesday to hear both sides of the Performance Rights Act. Representatives from both the artists and radio sides of the argument spoke about the controversial issue.