Congressional hearings this week focused on whether or not traditional radio stations should have to pay royalties for the music they play. Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, was among those who testified in support of H.R. 848, The Performance Royalties Act. Radio stations argue that the value of promotion they give artists outweighs the costs of any royalties due. That’s an argument that sounds familiar, and may explain some of the impetus for copyright holders to come forward now to reject such a rationale.
