New York - May 13, 2010 - U.S. District Court Judge Denise Cote ruled to temporarily reduce the radio fees payable to ASCAP until final ASCAP rates are set. The ruling reduces the payment from 2009 levels, which will result in a $40 million annual savings for radio stations. The interim fee supersedes another temporary fee reduction that was voluntarily agreed upon by the Radio Music Licensing Committee and ASCAP. The reduction is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010.

Similar fee reduction considerations are pending for BMI.

The Radio Music Licensing Committee negotiates most music licensing fees between radio stations and ASCAP and BMI.