Senators Hear Plea For Radio Performance Royalties

Pop percussionist and one-time Prince protege Sheila E was the latest artist to come to Capitol Hill Tuesday to plead with lawmakers for legislation requiring radio stations to pay royalties to performers. Sheryl Crow, Herbie Hancock, will.i.am and Dionne Warwick were among the other A-list musicians who have come to Washington seeking performance royalties from broadcast radio. "Radio is the only part of the music business where our work is used without permission or compensation," Sheila E told the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing. After the hearing, Sheila E said musicians who perform, but don't compose, the music have "made the songs come to life. I don't do it by myself." Broadcast radio stations now pay song royalties to songwriters and producers, but they don't pay performance fees for playing the artists' music. In contrast, cable, satellite, and Internet radio pay performance royalties. Both the House and the Senate have bills pending that would compel performance payments, but the legislation is a long way from becoming law. The House bill passed the House Judiciary Committee in May, but it is unclear when it will see a floor vote. Senate sponsors warned Tuesday that the bill will see further action and urged the National Association of Broadcasters to engage in negotiations.