Radio public performance bill passes Senate committee

By Eriq Gardner

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill yesterday that would make radio stations pay musicians fees for the public performance of sound recordings.

Another version of this controversial bill has already passed the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

Some are framing the legislation as an "RIAA bailout." Critics argue the legislation would hurt small stations that won't be able to afford this new "tax." The bill has been amended to allow small broadcasters to pay a flat fee based on revenues.

But entertainers such as Tony Bennett, Sheryl Crow, and will.i.am have made visits to Capitol Hill to lobby in support, calling it necessary to support artists.