Clear Channel & Big Machines Revenue Sharing Deal

The talk of the music and radio industries for the last week has been Clear Channel's unprecedented new deal with Big Machine Music to pay performance royalties. Many in the radio industry were taken aback by the move, which breaks the previously united front of broadcasters opposing performance royalty payments for over-the-air broadcasts. Many in the music industry, on the other hand, are cautiously optimistic about the precedent set with this deal. However, some criticisms from the music side are starting to emerge. Some don't trust having the labels be responsible for compensating the artists. Billboard.com has details on what we do know so far about the deal.