RE: ASCAP sues the Girl Scouts -Reply

On Thu, 22 Aug 1996, Douglas McCorison wrote:

> > From: Randolph Fritz <randolph at teleport.com>
> > Hmmmm...I know that non-profit radio stations are exempt from paying
> > royalties; this is how a song can become a college radio hit and make no
> > money for the artist. It may be that conventions incorporated as 501(c)3
> > non-profits are exempt as well; a good intellectual property rights lawyer
> > should probably be consulted.
>
> Aren't the Girl Scouts non-profit? It doesn't seem to be protecting >them<.
> This is why I'm worried.
>

Even non-profits are subject to royalty collection under some circumstances; that's why I'm suggesting a lawyer. Also, of course, radio broadcasting referes to 'mechanical rights'; it's not clear to me how far that extends.

> It also notes that they didn't begin to enforce stuff until the last
> decade. So past experience may not guide now. I'm not sure exactly what
> happens with college radio stations. When I worked one, I had to keep a
> complete play-list, but that was more than 10 years ago. Randolph, you
> say "exempt", can you give more information? Is that law, court decision,
> or just "hands-off" from the companies? More information?

The person who told me was Lynn Gold, who is a professional radio announcer; she might know a bit more. Her e-mail is figmo at rahul.net; please only one of us write her!

R. Received on 08/22/96