The decline in physical sales of record albums and CDs has the recording industry searching for new sources of revenue — and they’ve set their sights on requiring local radio stations to pay a performance tax for the music they play. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) is a bipartisan resolution before Congress that opposes any new performance fee related to playing music on broadcast radio stations and now has 220 House of Representatives cosponsoring the resolution. Broadcasters have been paying royalties for a long time. Only recently, SiriusXM will be required to pay 15.5% of gross revenue to recording artists. Guess who they want to pass that cost on to? Us! I didn’t think it was fair that I was paying for a subscription and a “Music Royalty Fee”, so I had a chat with a SiriusXM helper person:
Manuel (17:41:06 GMT) : Hi, my name is Manuel. Thank you for contacting SiriusXM.
Manuel (17:41:21 GMT) : Hello MBD.
Manuel (17:41:26 GMT) : I’ll be happy to assist you with your request.
Manuel (17:46:16 GMT) : As you’re valuable customer, you may have received the refund for the Music Royalty Fee once.
Manuel (17:46:36 GMT) : I’m sorry, we don’t have an option to waive the fee for you.
Manuel (17:46:39 GMT) : Music royalty rights were established by Congress and are the product of the Copyright Act. You can find all the details about MRF at: www.siriusxm.com/usmusicroyalty
MBD (17:47:40 GMT) : so I need a lawyer? This is ridiculous. Way to treat your customers. It’s $20 !
Manuel (17:48:04 GMT) : Music royalty rights were established by Congress and are the product of the Copyright Act. You can find all the details about MRF at: www.siriusxm.com/usmusicroyalty
MBD (17:49:00 GMT) : SO that’s the stock answer. You’re going to hide behind Congress who everybody hates to begin with? You have the discretion to waive this fee. Please do it or cxcl my account.
MBD (17:49:03 GMT) : Musicians customarily get royalties from ASCAP or BMI. Why am I now paying musicians that make Millions of dollars from touring and merchandise? I’m sorry that Sirius does not want to pay them royalties but please don’t pass it off to me. I’ve already paid thousands of dollars for multiple vehicles over the years for the Service itself.
Manuel (17:49:48 GMT) : I understand. I’ll also take this as a feedback and forward it to the concerned department.
MBD (17:50:53 GMT) : what is that supposed to mean exactly?
Manuel (17:52:20 GMT) : As a chat session we do not have the option to provide the credits .
Manuel (17:52:25 GMT) : I am sorry for that.
Manuel (17:52:32 GMT) : Is there anything else that I can assist you with today?
MBD (17:53:03 GMT) : Yes – who can I talk to that has that option? I’d prefer not to be blown off please..
MBD (17:53:08 GMT) : The law also says that I have to pay for food at a restaurant that I eat but If the service sucks the owner will usually make up for it somehow.
Manuel (17:53:17 GMT) : You can reach them at 888-635-5142.
MBD (17:55:02 GMT) : Manuel I am disappointed. You’re name literally translates into “God with Us” , and you have clearly not lived up to your name.
Manuel (17:55:48 GMT) : I am sorry I am limited my access.
MBD (17:56:56 GMT) : I understand Sirius is not serious about Customer Service. Peace be with you.
Manuel (17:57:20 GMT) : I understand
Manuel (17:57:21 GMT) : Is there anything else that I can assist you with today?
MBD (17:58:25 GMT) : no
Manuel (17:58:28 GMT) : It was nice chatting with you. Thank you for contacting SiriusXM and have a wonderful day.
For all I know, Manuel was Mr. Roboto. Point is, Sirius reported $5 billion in revenue last year. It’s a fight over who wants to be more flush with cash, the record company’s or the distributers. I frankly don’t care, just don’t pull me into it. I eventually got them to waive the fee by calling the “concerned department”.
But wait, I thought labels and artists were reaping the rewards of BRAND LOVE – what do they need more Royalties for anyway !??
In the meantime, there’s plenty of good free music made by independent artists that don’t get a dime from anyone.. sites like Reverbnation provide tools and opportunities for musicians for you to support. And…
Don’t Put Another Dime In The Jukebox!
