Radio Bill Advances

The Performance Rights Act, meant to close a loophole in the copyright law that would compensate artists for radio play, passed the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., May 13.

A similar but separate bill needs to also pass the U.S. Senate before it can be signed into law by President Barack Obama.

The bill is supported by musicFirst, American Federation of Musicians, the Recording Artists’ Coalition and other organizations.

“For over 80 years, Big Radio has had a free pass to play music,” musicFirst said in a statement. “All other music platforms – satellite, cable and Internet radio stations, pay artists, musicians and rights holders for the use of their music.”