October - November - December 1998

[Legislative Update]

For further information on legislative issues, check out ASCAP's
Legislative Matters.

Copyright Term Extension Passed With Music Licensing Provisions

ASCAP Board Travels to Washington To Meet With Legislators Before Important Vote

As the 1997-98 Congressional session drew to a close, the members of ASCAP's Board of Directors traveled to Washington D.C. to move Members of Congress ahead on critical copyright legislation. This effort was an important part of ASCAP's ongoing legislative agenda, which has now achieved the passage of both the La Cienega legislation preserving pre-1978 copyrights of recorded music and Copyright Term Extension legislation. Unfortunately, as a result of unrelenting pressure from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) led coalition, formidable in numbers, funding and political influence, a "Fairness in Music Licensing Act" was attached to Copyright Term Extension. This act, which is anything but "fair," exempts the use of radio and TV music over speakers at eating and drinking establishments less than 3,750 gross square feet and retail stores less than 2,000 gross square feet.

While this legislation is far less damaging than that sought by the NRA, it is outrageous that any erosion of U.S. copyright protection would be allowed by our government, particularly since this action clearly challenges basic Constitutional principles and violates multiple U.S. treaty commitments.

ASCAP is now evaluating every option to reverse the effects of this unfair music licensing legislation. A critical element of our plan will be to aggressively license those eligible establishments that have withheld royalty payment and to promote the value of live and mechanical music to a large number of newly targeted establishments. The backbone of this effort is ASCAP's exciting new support program, the objective of which is to change the licensing dialogue with ASCAP's customers through business building and cost-saving benefits.

More information will be shared with you on the legislative impact of this act in an upcoming special Playback issue.

SENATOR KERREY MEETS SONGWRITERS AND PUBLISHERS: Shown at the ASCAP lunch reception for U.S. Senators (l-r) are ASCAP Board members Jay Morgenstern, Irwin Robinson, Hal David and Cy Coleman, Senator Robert Kerrey (D) of Nebraska, Board members Wayland Holyfield and Donna Hilley and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

CHAIRMAN LIVINGSTON, I PRESUME: U.S. House Appropriations Chairman Bob Livingston (R-LA) met with industry leaders on a recent visit to New York City including ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento. Shown at a fundraiser held as part of his visit (l-r) are ASCAP Vice President of Communications Karen Sherry, Livingston, LoFrumento, and U.S. Congressman Mike Forbes (R-NY) of Long Island.

CHAIRMAN COBLE HUDDLES WITH ASCAP: Shown meeting at the U.S. House (l-r) are ASCAP Washington, D.C. consultant Ben Palumbo, U.S. House Intellectual Property Subcommittee Chairman Howard Coble (R-NC), Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman, Cy Coleman and Jay Morgenstern. The Intellectual Property Subcommittee is part of the House Judiciary Committee.

SENATOR FRIST FROM TENNESSEE: ASCAP's Board met with numerous Senators during Board Week held in Washington, D.C. Shown at a luncheon for Members of the Senate are (l-r) ASCAP Board members Johnny Mandel and Irwin Robinson, Senator Bill Frist (R) of Tennessee and ASCAP Board member Hal David.

BREAKFAST WITH GEPHARDT: U.S. House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO) met with the ASCAP Board over breakfast at the U.S. Capitol. Shown (back row, l-r) are ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento, ASCAP Board members Irwin Robinson, Arnold Broido, Jay Morgenstern and Cy Coleman, and (front row, l-r) Marilyn Bergman, Gephardt and ASCAP Board member Hal David.

ASCAP BOARD AND THE SENATE JUDICIARY: Among the most critical players in Washington are the two senior members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee Chair, Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah, is himself a noted lyricist and new ASCAP member; the ranking Democrat Member is Senator Patrick Leahy (D) of Vermont. Shown meeting at an ASCAP dinner held in their honor are (l-r) Senator Leahy, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman, Chairman Hatch, and ASCAP Board member Donna Hilley.

PlayBack : October - November - December 1998
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