Royalties Bill Action Heats Up Before May 13 Hearing…

Monday, May, 11, 2009 by Mel Phillips.

With both House and Senate votes on performance royalties looming, the action is getting hot and heavy prior to a May 13th hearing on the act which would tax terrestrial broadcasters for playing music.  First up - Representative John Conyers (D-Mich) who claims that his amendment would only tax small radio stations $500 a year for unlimited use of recorded music.  ”Small stations”, once defined as those billing $1.25 million or less annually, may have to be adjusted to reflect the economic downturn.  Conyers, who has been turning over more letters than Vanna White since he introduced his amendment, has heard from lawmakers contacted by minority radio owners and executives who believe a performance royalty “threatens the survival of minority-owned radio.”  He’s also been hearing from civil rights groups asking for a hearing on the act…

Lawmakers say the African Americans and Hispanics “are already underrepresented in radio ownership, and it is important to understand the impact on minority-owned radio stations as we evaluate legislation that seeks to establish a new performance royalty.”  According to Radio & Records, a letter to Congress from two Democrats - Representatives Hank Johnson (GA) and Linda Sanchez (CA), notes that broadcasters “have been protesting any payment, claiming that they will go out of business if they have to pay for what they use.  They object to even one penny.  We believe that is unreasonable.  We can assure fair and affordable compensation.”  They don’t say how they would accomplish that feat…

That letter, which would have cost more to mail if sent today, was sent to gain more House support for the Performance Rights Act and speed it into law.  Could there be more amendments about to emerge during the hearing that could make the measure even more palatable to the 184 House members who have endorsed  the Free Radio Act, that rejects any payment to performers and artists.  What do you think???  

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1949] In an instant: The first Polaroid Camera sells for $89.95 in New York City “but for you - $85.95“…
2. 1960] The Pill: The first contraceptive pill is made available on the market…
3. 1972] Say Hey returns: Returning to the city he started in, Willie Mays returns to New York to play for the Mets. The Say-Hey Kid is traded for the immortal Charlie Williams and $50,000 cash…
4. 1973] Charges dropped: Charges against Daniel Ellsberg for his role in the Pentagon Papers case are dismissed by Judge William M. Byrne, who cites government misconduct…
5. 1981] ‘Happy Trails’: Reggae legend Bob Marley dies at 36 from cancer in a Miami hospital…2006] Former heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson passes away at 71 from prostate cancer…
6. 1987] On trial: Klaus Barbie goes on trial in France for war crimes committed during World War II…
7. 1988] God Bless America: A star-studded Carnegie Hall concert is held to honor the 100th birthday of legendary song writer Irving Berlin. Performers include: Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Madeline Kahn (seen here), Marilyn Horne and others. Berlin was too feeble to attend but watched on TV…
8. 1996] Everglades crash: An Atlanta-bound ValuJet DC-9 catches fire shortly after takeoff from Miami and crashes into the Florida Everglades. All 110 on board are lost…
9. 1997] Who’s deep blue now?: The Deep Blue IBM computer defeats Garry Kasparov to win a six-game chess match between man and machine in New York…
10. 2004] Beheaded: A video on an al-Qaida-linked Website shows the beheading of American hostage Nicholas Berg, who had been kidnapped in Iraq…

Music Memories:

• 1964] Number One on this date: “My Guy” - Mary Wells…1981] “Bette Davis Eyes” - Kim Carnes…1985] “Crazy For You” - Madonna…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday”: Martha Quinn (50), Mike Lupica (57), Dr. Robert Jarvick (63), Eric Burdon (68) and Mort Sahl (82)…

Timeline Countdown: 14 days until Memorial Day and 41 days until Father’s Day…

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