Washington - The U.S. House Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property yesterday approved the Performance Rights Act, which would for the first time compel AM and FM radio stations to pay record labels and musicians royalties to play their songs, on top of the current payments to songwriters and music publishers. "A loophole in the law lets AM and FM music radio stations earn $16 billion a year in advertising revenue without compensation the artists and musicians who bring music to life and listeners' ears to the radio dial. It's not right, it's not fair and we are going to make sure it is changed," said Doyle Bartlett, executive director of the MusicFIRST Coalition, a record label lobbying group.

Washington - The musicFIRST Coalition on Wednesday delivered a letter signed by more than 6,000 recording artists, asking members of Congress to support legislation that would create a performance right royalty and pay artists and record labels when songs are played on terrestrial radio. Those signing the letter to U.S. lawmakers in support of the Performance Rights Act of 2007 included Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Jarvis Cocker and members of bands including Wolfmother, Kings of Convenience and Silverchair.

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.