Posted by madcityradio.com on June 10, 2009 at 13:00:43:
In Reply to: Is Radio Boycotting Artists That Are Pro-Performance Royalty? posted by madcityradio.com on June 10, 2009 at 12:58:47:
NAB Responds
NAB EVP DENNIS WHARTON issued the following statement, "This allegation is nothing more than an act of desperation by a record label lobby losing on CAPITOL HILL and in the court of public opinion. On one hand, it highlights the unparalled promotional value of free radio airplay, which has propelled countless artists to stardom. We would also note that WILL.I.AM, a vocal proponent of the performance tax, and his group BLACK EYED PEAS are currently #1 on BILLBOARD's Pop 100 Airplay Chart with the song 'Boom Boom Pow.'"
"If there's an FCC probe involving the music business, it ought to focus on claims from numerous artists -- from THE BEATLES to PRINCE to CHER -- that they were cheated out of royalties by their record labels."
NAB also noted that a bipartisan majority of House lawmakers are now on record in opposition to performance tax legislation.
NAB also pointed out that on numerous occasions, both record label executives and artists have recognized the promotional value of free radio airplay. Such statements include one from BONO, who said, "It's worth remembering that U2, you know we broke in the UNITED STATES through BOSTON and through radio stations like BCN and stuff like that. We depend on radio."
(All Access)