Los Angeles – A coalition of more than 80 musicians has been formed to seek compensation through a performance right when their music is broadcast on AM and FM radio.

Currently, musicians receive such performance right payments when their songs are played on satellite, cable and Internet radio, but not from traditional terrestrial broadcasts.

Radio stations are only required to compensate songwriters and music publishers, through organizations like ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

Founding members of musicFIRST include Christina Aguilera, Jimmy Buffett, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Don Henley, Wyclef Jean and Jennifer Lopez.

"Corporate radio is the only medium that refuses to pay performers even a fraction of a penny for their voice and creativity," said musicFIRST executive director Mark Kadesh.

"This campaign is about making sure everyone, from up-and-coming artists to our favorites from years-ago, is guaranteed fair treatment when their music is played."

Radio stations appeared prepared to fight the call for additional payments to musicians, for what they say is a free promotional medium.

"The National Association of Broadcasters will aggressively fight the Recording Industry Association of America’s proposed performance tax on local radio stations," Dennis Wharton, executive vice president of the radio station trade group, told Mediaweek.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/2c4r5w (Mediaweek)

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117966936.html