Performance Rights Legislation Results in Artist Ban At CLN

Bans Some Music

In sympathetic response to the cries of the MUSIC FIRST COALITION that radio airplay has hurt rather than helped musical performers, CHRISTIAN LISTENING NETWORK stations will no longer air music recorded by artists listed on the COALITION's website.

Following the DECEMBER 18th introduction of legislation titled "Performance Rights Act," the stations' MDs have been instructed to cull artists from playlists whose names appear on the MUSIC FIRST COALITION's website as Founding Artists.

CHRISTIAN LISTENING NETWORK's General Manager DAN DEBRULER is among the outspoken critics of the legislation, calling it a "...tax that cannot be fairly distributed" among artists whose music actually receives airplay. "The proponents of the legislation implied it to be a performance royalty during its formation, then added a flat-rate fee for small and noncommercial radio stations when it was introduced to Congress."

According to DEBRULER, "Our Music Directors are diligent in selecting the best songs week after week," adding "it is illegal for US radio stations to accept direct compensation in any form in exchange for airplay. We play and promote the best songs and artists, then watch as they climb the charts. The result is increased record sales and improved ticket sales at live performances."

"If performing artists believe uncompensated airplay is hurting them to the extent they need legislation to stop it, we'll save them the trouble," DEBRULER said of the ban.

« see more Net News