House, Senate Judiciary Committees Want To Orchestrate Radio Per-Performance Fee Negotiations

The chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees sent a letter to National Association of Broadcasters President Gordon Smith, NAB Joint Board Chairman Steve Newberry and MusicFIRST Coalition Executive Director Jennifer Bendall Monday saying they want those stakeholders to start negotiating a per-performance fee for radio airplay by Nov. 17. Broadcasters have been battling legislation to that effect, pointing out the inherent promotional value of airplay to the music industry. But bills have been reported out of both committees and the legislators said it was time to come up with a negotiated payment that Congress can consider that "negotiated solution" as it considers passage of the Performance Rights Act.