Last month’s attempted rapprochement with the music labels and performers seems to be behind the National Association of Broadcasters. The trade association warns that any attempt to revive the Performance Rights Act in the impending lame duck Congressional session (Nov. 15 through mid-December) will not be tolerated.
“NAB is unalterably opposed to this legislation, and has been very successful in preventing the Performance Rights Act from passing in the 11th Congress by executing a two-track strategy – utilizing the strength of our grassroots to oppose the Performance Rights Act while at the same time participating in good faith discussions with the recording industry to secure a positive outcome for radio.”
While the NAB has indeed been “unalterably” hostile to the PRA’s proposals for paying royalties to performers, it has also been talking to the advocacy group musicFIRST, and proposed a far milder version of the PRA.
musicFIRST rejected that package. So here we are again. Grrrr!
“Should there be a congressional effort to move the Performance Rights Act, NAB will aggressively fight it, and we will need your help – we may ask you to contact your representatives and take to the airwaves as you did successfully in February to keep this bill from becoming law and devastating the radio industry. We will also continue our good faith dialogue and ensure we keep the high ground with lawmakers during the lame duck session.”
