Songwriters find discord; ASCAP, BMI, other groups want bill modified. (American Society of...

ASCAP, BMI, other groups want bill modified

They may write the songs, but the nation's composers are worried about a new bill they feel could give record companies too much power over what happens to the songs after they're written.

Last month, the National Association of Broadcasters vowed to fight the performance rights bill now pending before the House Copyright Subcommittee. The addition of the songwriters' opposition is apt to prevent quick action on the bill.

The legislation would require radio and TV stations to pay a performance rights fee