Congress is considering legislation that would expand copyright protection for sound recordings. In particular, the proposed Performance Rights Act would eliminate an exemption that currently allows analog, non-subscription AM and FM radio to broadcast a sound recording without acquiring permission from and paying a royalty to the copyright holder, performers, and musicians. This report reviewed: (1) the current economic challenges facing the recording and broadcast radio industries; (2) the benefits both industries receive from their current relationship; (3) the potential effects of the proposed act on the broadcast radio industry; and (4) the potential effects of the proposed act on the recording industry. Charts and tables.

Preliminary Observations on the Potential Effects of the Proposed Performance Rights Act on the Recording and Broadcast Radio Industries

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.

The Copyright Office has previously highlighted the outmoded rules for the licensing of musical works and sound recordings as an area in significant need of reform. Moreover, the Office has underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to copyright review and revision generally. This is especially true in the case of music licensing the problems in the music marketplace need to be evaluated as a whole, rather than as isolated or individual concerns of particular stakeholders.