Gospel radio could be dead with Conyers' bill

Radio One's Cathy Hughes this week asked listeners on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to write letters and call their congressman asking them to vote against a bill that, if passed, would have radio stations pay artists whose music they play.

Hughes, who owns both R&B and gospel radio stations, said the legislation could force most Black-owned stations out of business, if they have to pay out millions of dollars to artists.

Joyner and Hughes this week said on the Joyner show that the money should instead come from the artists' record companies.

Joyner and Hughes are not alone in this fight. Civil rights advocate Rev. Al Sharpton opposes the bill sponsored by Democrat John Conyers of Michigan.

Here's a letter Hughes wrote to listeners.

In the Baltimore market, Radio One of Silver Springs operates several stations, including Magic 95.9 FM, which plays R&B, and gospel radio station Spirit 1400 AM.

A story in the Wall Street Journal says that Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. and Cox Radio would also lose money if this bill passes.

Read a story on detnews.com about a protest in Conyers home state of Michigan.

In that article, Detroit councilwoman Martha Reeves of Motown Records fame said she wants to receive royalties. She and about 300 artists helped initiate Conyers' bill, according to Reeves.

[Sources: nydailynews.com, eurweb.com, wsj.com and detnews.com]