Congress' royalty proposal would hurt radio industry

Published: Thursday, March 26, 2009 8:20 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

Radio stations are hurting in these tough economic times, and a radio royalty proposal by Congress could make things worse.

The proposal, co-sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, would require radio stations to pay not only songwriters but performers each time their song is heard on the radio.

That would undoubtedly lead to more layoffs in the industry — and perhaps the closure of some stations.

In an effort to save Utah radio jobs, 96 of 104 Utah legislators joined with Utah broadcasters in asking Utah's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to oppose the legislation.

Utah Rep. Julie Fisher, (R-Fruit Heights), whose husband, Scott, is a morning host on KOSY radio, drafted the letter.

"To require local radio stations to pay a fee while at the same time promoting the music industry's product is an unreasonable requirement."

In addition to Hatch, the letter was sent to Sen. Bob Bennett and Reps. Rob Bishop, Scott Matheson Jr. and Jason Chaffetz.

Story continues below

Dale Zabriskie, president of the Utah Broadcasters Association, said, "We deeply appreciate the support expressed by the vast majority of the Utah Legislature. While this is a congressional matter, we hope our senators and representatives will come to the same reasoning. This truly could mean many more Utah jobs will be lost to pay additional royalties to mostly foreign-owned record companies."

If the music industry really wants more revenue, it needs to more effectively crack down on illegal downloads off the Internet.

Most people first hear a song on the radio, and to require payment on that process is like charging a TV station a fee to air a commercial, instead of the other way around.

RADIO HAPPENINGS: Citadel Broadcasting's stock has plummeted in the past month, leading to rumors about the long-term viability of the company that owns ABC Radio and several hundred U.S. radio stations, including KBEE, KBER, KENZ, KFNZ-AM, KKAT AM/FM, KJQS and KUBL in the Salt Lake market.

WHO WILL replace the late Paul Harvey? According to Inside Radio, ABC plans to offer a menu of commentators that stations can choose from. One commentator is former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

KBYU (FM-89.1) will present a special evening featuring Fred Child, host of "Performance Today," on April 2, at 7:30 p.m., in BYU's Harold B. Lee Library. Child will discuss the current state of classical music including the business, the concert scene and music in the media. Contributing members of KBYU are invited to call 800-298-5298 to reserve a pair of complimentary tickets. Seating is limited.

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com

Recent comments

Here's what WILL happen if the bill passes....All radio stations will...

Utah Radio Guy | June 5, 2009 at 6:08 p.m.

Why do you listen to the radio?

Without the writers and...

@ Hatch has it backwards | March 27, 2009 at 9:36 a.m.

The writers and performers should be paying the radio stations for...

Hatch has it backwards | March 27, 2009 at 9:12 a.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

Gifts for gamers

There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.

Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet

Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...

Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...

The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...

BCS stable at top, Y. up to 14

TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...

Jazz win 6th in 7 games

could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...

Notre Dame fires Weis

Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...

I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...

Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal

quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.

Understanding translation process

I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...

Advertisements