Argument Assessment

I was surprised to learn it too, but artist that you hear over the radio do not get paid royalties. The writer of the song does. The anonymous columnist from the Chicago Tribune argues strongly that is the responsibility of the radio stations to pay the performers for the music they play. The columnist goes on further to say that the radio stations should take after their online, cable radio, and satellite radio brethren and start paying the bands that they play. The author also argus that new legislation proposed by several congressman in California should be passed. After all, artists don't even get paid when their music is played overseas, where over 50% of the music played on the radio is created in the United States. The author maintains a steady feeling that the radio industry is really screwing the musicians. He or she also fails to recognize the damage that this sudden change in expense would have on the radio industry. All around, I think this was a pretty easy argument for the columnist to win. I mean, who wants to know that the hard working artists aren't being awarded for their efforts as you cruise down the streets enjoying their work.