"Performance Rights" debate returns

In the last session of Congress, the music industry was promoting a bill that extended "Performance Rights" to radio. There are reports emerging that suggest the bill may be revived in this Congress.
"Performance Rights" are part of the intellectual property rights that can apply to music.  Copyright covers the rights of the composer/author; performance rights gives similar rights to the performers of the music, and mechanical rights cover the rights to reproduce the performed music.  Early on, radio was given an exemption from having to pay for "performance rights," arguably because by playing music it enhanced the demand for, and value of, music performances among the public.  (Instead of stations asking for fees to promote music).  The radio industry opposes this, of course, and fronted its own bill, The Local Radio Freedom Act.  The two trade groups have been in negotiation, with the buzz suggesting a 1% royalty for performance rights, in exchange for adding FM receiver chips in cellphones.


"Capitol Hill newser pick up PRA buzz," RBR.com