[Fmpro] PRO strategy: need advice

[Mark Northam]

On 10/2/07 2:18 PM, "Merritt Music Productions" <chris at merrittmusic.com>
wrote:

> I wish that the direct license had never been allowed by ascap...

It wasn't ASCAP's choice, it was a court-mandated option forced on them that
I understand was largely enabled by the Buffalo Broadcasters case in the
1980s.

Perhaps a better wish:

"I wish that ASCAP hadn't had such outrageously discriminatory rates against
instrumental music that the Buffalo Broadcasters group didn't feel it was
necessary to sue to more easily enable direct licensing. "

Make no mistake... ASCAP's arrogance in maintaining hugely discriminatory
rates against instrumental music was a key ingredient and motivator in the
lawsuit that made direct licensing what it is today.

Just like with Alden Rochelle v. ASCAP - a familiar pattern, and more and
more losses for composers thanks to these songwriters and their agenda.

Best,

Mark Northam