Steven C. Barr(x) wrote:
> Actually, "ether-based"  radio has NEVER had to pay for the privilege
> of playing records over the air...actually, far from it!
> 
> In the early days (twenties, thirties...) the playing of phonograph
> records was generally proscribed (at one point, Gennett records
> carried the notice, "This Record Is Not To Be Broadcasted" [sic]!
> 
> "Disk Jockey" programs started to appear around 1935-36...and the 
> record industry quickly noticed that those records which were played
> "over the air" enjoyed increased sales! There were a few interruptions
> (ASCAP vs. BMI, the AFM ban, WWII, et al...) but, by 1946, record
> companies were mailing out "promo copies" of their new releases to
> radio stations. This practice continued at least into the seventies
> (in fact, I still can get "promo copies" of blues CD's for play on
> my "net radio" blues show...!). However, I have seen e-mail suggesting
> that the "record industry" is now considering demanding royalties
> for electromagnetic-radio play of their product...!
> 
> Steven C. Barr
> 
And record companies never paid programmers or disc jockeys to plug their 
product. And it don't rain in Minneapolis in the summertime. Jeez, what a bunch 
of hypocrites!

dl