No matter what, no matter when, Big Radio just doesn't want to pay performers.

In an interview with a Florida television station, NAB Executive Vice President for Media Relations Dennis Wharton tried to justify Big Radio's opposition to a performance right:  "The recording industry is suffering some severe financial losses not through the fault of radio stations, but because they failed to adapt their business model."

THE FACTS: During a March 25, 1993 hearing on the performance right in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration, NAB President & CEO Edward O. Fritts stated: "The recording industry continues to be very successful and, frankly, we believe has no demanding need for more broadcaster money." I guess they'd say that was then, this is now. The message is clear: whether the music industry is up or down, broadcasters want to keep using performers' property for free.