By Rachel Stilwell and Lindsay Meisels
A new federal court filing by a trade organization representing AM/FM radio station owners would, if granted, alter the way royalty rates are determined for radio airplay, undermining the rights of songwriters and music publishers and ignoring the clear intent of Congress in ways that could result in a reduction of royalties paid. In short, the radio industry that already pays nothing to the makers of sound recordings is looking for yet another way to stiff music creators.
The Radio Music License Committee, Inc. (“RMLC”), a trade organization that...