Future of Music Coalition (
FMC) respectfully submits these Reply Comments in the
above captioned proceeding regarding MusicFIRST?s Petition for a Declaratory Ruling
Regarding the Actions of Certain Radio Broadcasters in Opposition to the Performance
Rights Act.1
FMC has a long history of supporting the passage of legislation that would
establish a public performance right for sound recordings that would ensure that
performers are compensated when their work is played over the air, but more importantly
we are especially troubled by allegations that artists have been threatened with a loss of airplay as a result of their willingness to engage in a public policy debate. We appreciate the Commission?s attention to this important matter.