vsa said:
"Then why are record companies and artists, large and small, continually begging radio stations, traditional and web-based, to play their music? Could it be that they want to expose/advertise their wares for free without having to pay for commercials?
Why is it that record promoters have a history of offering money to get airplay?
Tell you what. I'll be happy to pay a one million dollar royalty to play your song. But it'll cost you one million dollars to get that song played. And I'll pick what gets played on my radio station."
Let me axe the bearer of this bad news this question: Do you, by chance, work in a REAL radio station? I didn't think so.
I'm sorry to be so sarcastic, I really am, but now that I have your attention, you need to take time to read the last long and lengthy post that took a lot of time to write so that people like you really understand what's going on, here.
First of all, while you as the apparent Wizard of Oz think that "the mass" audience in a crowded, competitive and revenue (remember that word) dependent radio market depends on radio stations (yours excluded) in playing what the MAJORITY of people want to hear, good luck in finding "All garage bands - All the time" and making a living for yourself and your staff. It will be a long, long day when it comes time to write out those checks.
People (you excluded) prefer what's popular. And while "garage bands" may be popular and have their fans, I assure you, by the time you rack up a library of 1500 "garage band songs that are unlicensed" (that few have ever heard,) you'll be flat broke. Maybe your friends will listen, but that won't sustain you in the broadcasting business.
We're not in the "Sheet Music" business anymore, but composers deserve to be paid, too. Artists, on the other hand, make money from the distribution of the music they "Perform" (not necessarily, make.) They are two and separate (with exceptions.)
To your next point: So, it will, sarcastically, cost a band, artist or label a million bucks to play "their" song on YOUR radio station, eh? Well, that's just dandy. Clear Channel tried that a couple of years ago and got nailed for it. Pay-for-play doesn't work and isn't allowed. And you'd have to be a hell of a radio station to get a label to pay you a dime. So, now, what?
Even if it were possible, you mean that if it came to your little pea-watt radio station and a flamethrower down the street owned by major big radio company, that you wouldn't be PO'ed if THEY (the competition) got that hot million dollar song and you didn't? Of course you would.
Suppose all labels took that attitude. You'd never get anything worth playing. Labels don't OWE you promotional copies of CDs. You, as a station, have to earn them and work for them ... or, go buy them like everyone else. If not, hang a satellite dish outside and hope your syndicator plays what you want when you want. (They won't and they don't.) The labels are looking for numbers, for major audiences, not in giving away "free" promos to your 10 listener station. Promotion costs them money. Lots of it. They owe us nothing to "promote." We promote because we want to serve what our listeners want. If we don't want to do that, we don't play the songs. We don't play the songs, we don't get the listeners. No listeners ... no business.
If the labels and radio took the approach that you've drawn out here for the world to see, labels would decide ONLY those stations they want airplay (and pay for it) and that would be that. You'd be in court in no time for playing copyrighted music without paying composer/publication rates that have long been a part of radio. Promotion is NOT free. Never has been. You pay royalties (5% of gross) every year for the privilege of playing those "promo" CDs ... and it adds up to a lot of money. Without it, good luck in finding good quality stuff that appeals to more than your tastes.
As for the crack about "record promoters have a history of offering money to get airplay?" Well, you forgot about hookers, drugs, gifts, trips and more ... but in reality, there are some much publicized, but isolated examples (and heavy litigation) that has caused radio stations and groups (several in New York of late) for such things.
I'd venture to say you've never met a promo person in your life, nor ever called to find out how you can get promo copies of CDs (most labels don't just send them to any station these days, anyway. You have to be an R&Ror other trade reporter or someone very influential in a market to do so.)
I've known many record people in many areas of the country. I have never taken a "bribe" and while consulting over 100 markets, never was offered one. I know, there have been ... but it's not as "regular business" as you think and I find that comment from you baseless and offensive to radio stations and to record promoters in general. I've had to pay for many a concert ticket because they don't come free for "playing my song" either.
Next, of course record labels want you to play their songs for free. What idiot wouldn't IF you're a music station? DUH! Without HIT music, you have no radio station. You want to play all indie music? Go for it! Sure, those artists deserve the play, no doubt! But all indie all the time doesn't work in running a profitable business. And you are, I imagine, in business, no?
Since they can't have you play their songs in lieu of commercials (Plugola, it's called, incidentally...) is against the law, and if you worked at a radio station, you'd know that, because you'd have to sign a waiver saying that you wouldn't do such a thing, or you'd get kicked to the curb if ever caught. And, sadly, a few did just that of late. But not everyone, or nearly as many as you think.
I totally agree that the CRB royalty is a sham. That's up to the labels to deal with in their negotiations with the artists. To soak webcasters for a BILLION dollars for $5-million in "administrative fees" is ludicrous.
But pay what's fair, not what you think is fair ... because you're way off base in your thinking.
