[BC] ASCAP and BMI and Rights

[WFIFeng@aol.com]

In a message dated 02/01/2006 03:58:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
david at onlinetonight.com writes:

>  > When they (The Music mafia) can sue a little 2-seater, 1-man barbershop 
> for
>   > $50,000 because he had a *radio* playing in his tiny shop, that's
>   > strong-arming, Mafia-esque behavior.
>  
>  I've looked at the ASCAP, BMI and RIAA litigation histories, and I see
>  nothing, nor does Google find anything, that relates to such a case. Could
>  you show me where I can find the details?

I wish I could. I remember reading it a number of years ago. The article 
indicated that this was the Case which allowed the exemption for an unenhanced 
stereo set (factory-provided speakers & wires) or a self-contained (boom box) 
unit to be used without fee. Perhaps someone else can put their finger on it?

As to the "rest of the story" RE: Grandma & the 12 year old, that is very 
interesting. Thanks for the backstory on that.

There are many situations where suing people for $4000 is, essentially, 
equivalent to suing them out of house-and-home. Add to that $4K the legal & Court 
fees, time lost from work, etc. and you start to run into ruinous sums for most 
lower-middle & middle class folk.

As to the telephone "music on hold" situation, that is still sheer nonsense.

How much of those fees do the composers actually get? Yes, our station pays 
significant sums for the very little bit of music we play. (One hour daily, 
only March-Aug.) I've talked to a handful of artists whose music we played 
regularly, and they usually saw very small "tips" once a year.

Willie...