Radio Royalty Opposition Gains Steam

Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) on Thursday took a swipe at legislation unveiled last week by House and Senate Judiciary Committee leaders that would end a long-standing music royalty exemption granted to AM and FM stations by introducing a resolution urging Congress not to impose "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local radio. Green's resolution, which is supported by the National Association of Broadcasters, already has the backing of 110 cosponsors -- double the number he had when the measure was introduced in the 110th Congress. He eventually gathered more than 220 supporters last year. If the House royalty bill, which is sponsored by Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, makes it through his committee and onto the floor, Green said he hopes he will have enough supporters to vote it down.