While I agree that the current system does protect the political divide (not that it matters because I think most campaigns will honor the musicians who throw a fit just because it’s bad PR) I’d like to see at least some reporting as to the merits of the investigation.
It does seem to me that only TWO licensing houses unfairly stifles competition for funding for musicians themselves.
Any new laws will benefit the lawyers more than the artists. Almost any spin could be litigated. Imagine neighorhood bar bands having to manuver through the maze of different licening entities. Even the copyright owners of Happy Birthday wanted royalties from family birthday parties. Many artists who wrote the songs, no longer own the rights. In those cases the publishing houses and legal firms will be getting enriched.
I can see this limiting exposure to artists catalogues. Listen to your “Classic Rock” station. The same 400 tracks and very little from the 60’s and 70’s. It’ll be even more restrictive.
Trump never stopped using any song did he? Who cares what lib musicians say?
If you’re not charging money to hear the music what is the issue? It’s no different than playing the music at a party at your house or wedding.