[mythtv-users] A prediction is coming true, faster than I thought

[David Brodbeck]

On Jul 19, 2007, at 10:17 AM, Tom Dexter wrote:
> I think it's more about protecting the existing system where artist  
> exposure
> is run by payola.  When was the last time the record industry did  
> anything
> to indicate any interest in _anything_ that might help artists get  
> exposure
> based on popular opinion?

It's probably partly that.  I also think that the record companies  
have probably been ticked off for about the last 70 years that they  
got cut out of radio licensing.  (Stations pay songwriter royalties,  
as part of a compulsory licensing scheme, but no royalties to record  
companies.)  Now they're hoping to use the shift to digital radio to  
negotiate a piece of the action.

I hope they don't succeed, but I can understand why they're giving it  
a shot.  They're running a business and they'd be doing their  
shareholders a disservice if they didn't try to grab for every  
revenue stream possible.  I think they erred when they initially  
overreached, though.  If they'd asked for a small, nominal payment  
per song they probably would have met little resistance, but now they  
have an all-out fight on their hands.