"The recording industry and U.S. radio companies have squared off for decades about whether AM and FM radio broadcasters should pay royalties to singers, musicians and their labels.
"But now the debate is getting meaner; there's more at stake as the recording industry seeks new income avenues in the wake of wanton peer-to-peer piracy and declining CD sales in part due to the iPod and satellite radio. A U.S. House subcommittee could vote as early as Thursday on a royalty measure.
"On Monday, the recording industry sent the National Association of Broadcasters -- the trade group representing the $16 billion a year AM-FM broadcasting business -- a can of herring to underscore that it believes its arguments against paying royalties are a red herring. The NAB says its members should not pay royalties because AM-FM radio "promotes" the music industry."
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The RIAA (and MPAA) aren't going to be satisfied until all Americans are designated as pirates and are forced to send a portion of their paychecks directly to the Entertainment Industry - after all, you might have accidentally heard a piece of music - and if you do, you must pay the artist (and their agents. managers, record executives and their lawyers) for the privilege of
hearing their masterpieces - even if it's something by an American Idol loser or, worse yet, a Country song.
"America, where are you now? Don't you care about your sons and daughters? Don't you know, we need you now. We can't fight alone against the Monster..."
posted by MedfordTim 
