Do higher music royalties go with commercialization?
Originally published in Current, June 22, 1998 Has public broadcasting become so commercialized that its music copyright fees should be based on the rates commercial broadcasters pay? Or does the field remain mission-driven despite its increased reliance on audience-sensitive revenues? A panel of three arbitrators will wrestle with these and other complex issues to determine how much public broadcasting should pay for music royalties. Their decision, due July 28, will set rates for music use through 2002, and may provide a strong reading on the thorny question of the field’s commercialization. A Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel (CARP), convened by the Library of Congress to resolve a dispute between public broadcasters and performing rights organizations, heard closing arguments in the case June 16. “It was a pleasure to witness quality advocacy at its best,” commented Judge Edward Dreyfus at the end of the hearing. “You’ve left us with a very difficult decision.” Since the proceedi
