Entertainers in the Music industry on Tuesday urged Congress to force radio stations to pay performers when their music is broadcast. When I read this at first I thought seriously? Don’t they make enough? Then I learned that Satellite radio, Internet radio and cable TV music channels already pay fees to performers and musicians, along with songwriter royalties. AM and FM radio stations do not pay performers' royalties, just songwriters.
If radio stations are paying songwriters royalties, should they be paying musicians? Honestly, if you think about all the money that musicians make with going on tour, CD sales, and everything else, is it really necessary for them to be paid for this too? Almost all musicians say they are in the business for “the music”, however, whenever a money issue like this arises, it becomes a huge deal.
Sheryl Crow, will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and other entertainers were present in Washington and spoke before congress. Hancock said people tune in to the radio because of the music."Just as radio promotes music, music promotes radio," he said. Dionne Warwick and Pattie Labelle were present at Capitol Hill for a news conference on behalf of the musicFIRST Coalition. This group wants radio stations to be required to pay musicians royalties for having their music on the radio, just like songwriters.
Warwick said she hasn't been compensated while her songs played around the world for 48 years."I think now is about time that I do get paid," she said.
Dionne Warwick cancelled her presidential inaugural ball due to low ticket sales. Tickets were sold for $450.00 dollars, and at the moment people are unable to get their money back because "technically" the non-profit organization they bought the tickets from doesn't exists. The 'Dionne and Friends Foundation Inc.' has not had incorporation status for nearly three years -- and there's no record it ever had IRS nonprofit status. Does it sound like she is hurting for money?
What do you think? Musicians make music for us to listen to and enjoy. They make millions, but don’t seem to think that is enough…is it?
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That is an intresting topic, whether radio stations should pay artists to play their music. Honestly, i think if your getting payed more than 100 k for sitting on a tour bus, signing autographs, and singing than your already getting to much. I know to many people who bust their "A" for a measley 40 k a year. Personally, I am tired of hearing the rich whine for more money, and dont think its necessary for the radio stations (who probably earn less than big name artists) to give up their income to.
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