Performance Rights Act Back in Congress

The Performance Rights Act, which would create a sound recording performance right for terrestrial radio, was reintroduced to Congress today (2/4). The bill would require radio stations, which already pay royalties to songwriters for broadcasting their music, to also pay the artists and musicians performing the songs, as well owners of the master recordings.

Under the proposed legislation, the parties involved would negotiate rates amongst themselves, or those rates could be set by the Copyright Royalty Board and paid to SoundExchange. The bill also makes accommodations for small broadcasters, public and religious radio stations.

AM and FM radio is the only music platform that does not pay a fair performance right to artists and musicians for the use of their work. Satellite, cable and internet radio compensate artists when they play their music. The Performance Rights Act would bring the United States in line with almost every other nation in the world.

Among those supporting the legislation were Tennesseans Bob Corker (R-TN) in the Senate, and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the House of Representatives.