Bipartisan Legislation Seeks Fair Compensation for Artists: The American Music Fairness Act

Feb 5

The American Music Fairness Act

In a significant bipartisan initiative, U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), aiming to mandate that AM and FM radio stations compensate artists for broadcasting their music. This legislation seeks to align traditional radio broadcasters with digital platforms, which already pay artists for their content.

Legislative Intent and Support

Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Courts, emphasized the need for modernization:

"Now is the time for the United States to finally adopt the proven global standard of compensating our artists for music broadcast over the radio."

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) highlighted the unique position of the U.S.:

"The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not paid for the use of their music on AM and FM radio. This legislation would close an outdated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to take advantage of artists and their songs for decades."

Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) underscored the importance of fair compensation:

"California’s artists enrich our country’s music scene, but our laws unfairly deny them the pay they deserve for their work on AM/FM radio broadcasts."

Industry Reactions

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed support for the bill:

"For more than a century, American artists and producers have been denied the basic right to earn compensation for their own creation broadcast on AM/FM Radio. We urge Congress to finally pay creators for their work."

Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the cultural significance of fair compensation:

"It's outrageous that the recording artists, vocalists, and musicians who bring it to life and enrich our lives receive no compensation from airplay on AM/FM radio. It's downright un-American to exploit people and not pay them."

Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music, highlighted the outdated nature of current laws:

"The American Music Fairness Act is long overdue. The radio industry has no valid justification for refusing to compensate the recording artists who form the backbone of their business."

Provisions for Smaller Stations

The AMFA includes provisions to protect small and local radio stations. Stations with less than $1.5 million in annual revenue, and whose parent companies earn less than $10 million annually, would pay a nominal annual fee of $500 to play unlimited music. Additionally, the act outlines a tiered payment structure for small, college, and non-commercial stations, with fees ranging from $10 to $500 annually, based on revenue.

Opposition from Broadcasting Organizations

Broadcasting organizations have expressed concerns about the potential financial impact of the AMFA. The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters previously stated:

"This legislation would impose a new performance royalty on local radio stations on top of the huge royalties that our local radio stations already pay. Such additional royalties could potentially financially cripple many local radio stations and harm the millions of listeners who rely on local radio for news, emergency information, weather updates, and

entertainment."

Engaging in the Discussion

The reintroduction of the American Music Fairness Act underscores the ongoing debate over fair compensation in the music industry. As this legislation progresses, it is crucial for stakeholders, including artists, broadcasters, and listeners, to stay informed and engage in the discussion. The American Federation of Musicians is teaming up with Music Fairness Action to encourage musicians to sign up to support the fight you can find the sign-up page here! the For more insights into independent political journalism and to stay updated on developments like the AMFA, consider exploring resources provided by Clap On Three, which delves into such dynamic topics.