Conyers: Broadcasters' fight against royalties similar to 'involuntary servitude'

Broadcasters' refusal to pay royalty fees to musicians when airing their songs is a form of involuntary servitude, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) said Tuesday.

During a press conference with singer Dionne Warwick on Capitol Hill, Chairman Conyers promoted the Performance Rights Act, which would require AM and FM radio broadcasters to pay royalties to singers and bands for playing their songs on the air. The legislation would change an 80-year-old law that requires broadcasters to pay royalties only to songwriters. Radio broadcasters have never been required to pay the performers because airing their music has been considered a form of free promotion that leads to other money-making gigs, such as national tours. The music industry, represented by the MusicFirst Coalition, put on the event to push the issue. Warwick said it is critical for singers who create legendary music to continue to get paid for their work long after they have stopped touring and making new albums.