Over at HelpSaveRadio.org, Big Radio makes this interesting claim:

"We have never charged artists for airing their music."

THE FACTS: Nice try guys. Under current law (without a performance right), broadcasters can legally take music without the consent of the performers for free. How could radio charge for something they take and use for free?

The truth is that they know that not having to pay for music is a windfall that generates billions of dollars in advertising revenue every year. That's why Big Radio has refused to even negotiate for more than 70 years.

Steven Newberry, President and CEO of Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, said it all when asked at a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee whether he was willing to sit down and negotiate a performance right: "No sir. We remain opposed to this legislation. To negotiate on that we think is counter to the interests of our industry..." - the interests of Big Radio making billions of dollars in profits on the backs of performers who get nothing for the use of their music. http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Newberry090310.pdf