Performers have not been compensated for music broadcast over the radio.
Music artists wrote to Congress urging them to support the American Music Fairness Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Alex Padilla of California and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Representatives Darrell Issa of California and Jerry Nadler of New York, would require radio broadcasters to compensate artists for the music aired over AM/FM radio stations in a similar manner that online music streaming services, satellite radio, and internet radio.
“In the United States of America, every person deserves to be paid for the use of their work. But because of the power held by giant radio corporations in Washington, artists, both big and small, continue to be overlooked, even as every other music delivery platform, including streaming services and satellite radio, pays both the songwriter and performer,” wrote the artists, who included Barry Manilow, Gloria Gaynor, Lil Jon, and Smokey Robinson.
The artists added, “When you save the radio industry by mandating its technology remain in cars, we ask that you save the musician too and allow us to be paid fairly when our music is played.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as they consider legislation to require fair compensation from radio broadcasters to music artists.
- For senators and representatives as they debate requiring automakers to continue to include AM/FM radio in new vehicles.
Sources: Washington Examiner, Congress.gov
