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Convergence Spurs Radio Licensing Dispute

Music copyright owners want radio companies that have taken part in a “platform convergence”- delivering high-definition radio and satellite radio to devices that can receive, compile, store and play music - to adhere to licensing agreements that would compensate the music creators and copyright owners fairly, writes Billboard Radio Monitor.

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently met, following the April 26 introduction of the Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music Act of 2006 (PERFORM Act) that would require cable, internet and satellite music providers to prevent music theft and to pay fair market value for digital music. Topics discussed by the committee included current radio technology and whether copyright law is keeping up with innovative music platforms.

Though the PERFORM Act would not affect over-the-air broadcasting, it would prohibit the creation of music libraries unless royalties were paid for that distribution, said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who is backing the bill.