Radio Royalty Fight Moves To Senate

The battle over legislation that would end a longstanding royalty exemption afforded to AM and FM radio will move to the Senate early next month with an August 4 hearing in the Judiciary Committee. Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers introduced the legislation, which would bring traditional broadcasters in line with Internet, cable and satellite platforms that pay performers for their works. The Recording Industry Association of America, SoundExchange and the American Federation of Musicians are carrying the torch for that effort while the National Association of Broadcasters has fought hard against the measures.