So, sound recording owners do not have public performance rights?
Not exactly. In the United States, sound recording owners have limited public performance rights as well. Since February 1, 1996, sound recording owners have the exclusive right to control certain digital performances of their works. For instance, they can control interactive digital performances of their sound recordings. Under copyright law, an “interactive service” is defined as “one that enables a member of the public to receive, on request, a transmission of a particular sound recording chosen by or on behalf of the recipient.” Where a service is interactive in nature, the sound recording copyright owner’s exclusive right applies regardless of whether a fee is charged to receive the transmission.
