QUICK TAKES - June 4, 2009

The National Assn. of Broadcasters said Wednesday that a majority of U.S. House members were now opposed to imposing new fees on radio stations to pay performance artists.

The NAB said 220 House members had agreed to co-sponsor a nonbinding resolution against any new fees. That’s a slight majority in the House, indicating there is not enough support for a bill that would collect such fees.

Such a bill passed the House Judiciary Committee last month, but the NAB hopes the show of opposition will prevent it from being brought to the House floor for a debate and vote.

Over the last several decades, broadcasters have successfully stopped attempts by the recording industry to require radio stations to pay artists for playing their music. Stations have been exempt from such royalties on grounds that radio airplay offers artists a promotional benefit for CD sales and concert tickets.