Digital performance rights organization SoundExchange has retained Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm Farragut Partners for representation on Capitol Hill on issues related to broadcasting and copyright.

SoundExchange collects Internet and satellite radio royalties on the behalf of copyright owners and recording artists. The non-profit, which was formed in 2003 as a division of the Recording Industry Association of America, is run by a board that includes RIAA executives, major music publishers, independent labels and artist representatives. The majority of the organization’s collected royalties come from Sirius-XM and web-based music services.

SoundExchange

SoundExchange has hired Farragut to voice its opposition to H.Con.Res.13, also known as “Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.” That bill, which was introduced in January by Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), would prohibit any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges for music played on local radio stations.

Farragut Partners was formed last year by former partners of lobbying firm Ryan, MacKinnon, Vasapoli and Berzok. The firm’s key practice areas include telecommunications, energy and healthcare.

A six-person team will manage the SoundExchange account, which includes Jeffrey Mackinnon, former legislative director to Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX); Jeffrey Mortier, former legislative assistant to Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY); Daniel J. Walsh, former legislative assistant to Reps. Jack Buechner (R-M0) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD); Sarah Walter, former legislative director and chief counsel to Sen. John Breaux  (D-LA); Joseph Vasapoli, a former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission special assistant and House Energy and Commerce Committee counsel; and partner Jody Gale.