24 Billion Reasons to Support Radio Performance Rights

WASHINGTON, DC, Jul 31 (MARKET WIRE) --
The musicFIRST Coalition released the following statement today on the
Clear Channel private equity deal. The deal is valued at $24 billion,
including debt. The statement may be attributed to Doyle Bartlett,
executive director, musicFIRST.

"News that Clear Channel, the largest radio ownership group, has gone
private for $24 billion casts a spotlight on radio's failure to compensate
the artists and musicians who bring music to life and listeners' ears to
the radio dial. The contrasts could not be more stark -- $24 billion for
corporate radio's ownership, not a penny for America's artists and
musicians."

"Without music, this deal would be impossible. Without music, Clear
Channel's radio empire would just be castles in the sand. Yet corporate
radio refuses to discuss a fair performance right for America's artists
and musicians. Recently the head of the National Association of
Broadcasters said, 'I would rather cut my throat than negotiate on this.'"

"For corporate radio negotiating $24 billion deals is ok, but talking to
America's artists and musicians about a fair performance right on radio is
just too scary."

"The Clear Channel deal makes abundantly clear the case for legislation to
create a fair performance right on radio."

People who love music understand that creativity, talent and hard work are
required to bring it to life. The goal of musicFIRST (Fairness in Radio
Starting Today) is to ensure that struggling performers, local musicians
and well-known artists are compensated for their music when it is played
both today and in the future. Of all the ways we listen to music,
corporate radio is the only one that receives special treatment. Big
radio has a free pass to play music -- refusing to pay even a fraction of
a penny to the performers that brought it to life. musicFIRST (Fairness
in Radio Starting Today) is committed to making sure everyone, from
up-and-coming artists to our favorites from years-ago, is guaranteed Fair
Pay for Air Play. For more information on musicFIRST (Fairness in Radio
Starting Today) please visit www.musicFIRSTcoalition.org.

Contact:
Tod Donhauser
202-326-1829
Email Contact

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