[BC] Section 115 Reform Act (SIRA) of 2006

[Thomas G. Osenkowsky]

>You know, back in the 70's and 80's, the record reps here in Nashville
>gave you tons of records. I end up with so many of those 33 1/3 singles,
>we would give them away at remotes. 
> Now as a broadcaster, those SOB's want to charge me if I need a copy
of a single on CD to air it. 

The music industry is focused on delivery and artist promotional avenues
other than radio broadcasting. When I was PD/MD in the mid-eighties
I would never get less than 3 copies of every promo 45 and 12 inch
singles. I could call and get as many copies of LP's for giveaways as
I wanted. No longer is this true.

I remember having a 'discussion' with the MCA rep because we didn't
get a 45 of "Sad Songs" by Elton John. I was an "out of the box" MD
many times, not adding a song just because everyone else did, but
because a song fit my 'sound'. I bought an import 12" in NYC and the
intro was much longer than the 45/LP. The rep told me since it was
Elton John, they serviced the major markets first since Elton did not
need any small market promotion. I gently reminded him that for every
Elton John there are many new, up-and-coming artists that DID need
small market exposure. I soon got 6 copies of "Sad Songs". I added songs
like Bill Medley's "I Still Do" and the reps were very accommodating on
supplying multiple copies of their products.

Many stations rely on AIR, Hitmakers, Promo Only and other paid
sources for music, or just download it.In the old days, we had RSI
from which stations could buy LP's at a reduced rate. The music industry
has changed and broadcasters are no longer the main avenue of artist
exposure.

Tom Osenkowsky, CPBE