Death to Pandora? A guide to the looming music copyright war

Congress is revamping U.S. copyright law, and Pandora, Spotify, AM/FM radio — and music lovers — could pay a steep price

Pandora bros
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid))

There's a big, contentious battle brewing in Washington and you might not even know about it. But you should, especially if you like music.

Congress is looking at a complete overhaul of U.S. copyright law, and the most divisive issue involves money and music. The Justice Department also announced in June that it is revisiting a 70-year-old consent decree with the two organizations that collect and distribute songwriting royalties: ASCAP and BMI.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.