More Than 300 Artists Unite to Push for American Music Fairness Act
In a remarkable show of solidarity for fair compensation in the music industry, over 300 prominent recording artists have rallied to support the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). This bipartisan legislation aims to require radio stations to pay artists for the airplay of their music, a right that has long been absent in the United States. On World Radio Day, members of the legendary RB group Boyz II Men were on Capitol Hill to present a letter signed by these artists to congressional lawmakers, emphasizing the pressing need for legislative action. Among the luminaries who have endorsed this act are Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and Mariah Carey, showcasing a wide swath of genres and generations.
The Boyz II Men trio, Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman, took center stage at this significant event, meeting with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to impress upon them the importance of fair financial recognition for artists. In a timely interview with NBC’s Ryan Nobles, they discussed the repercussions of the current system, where radio corporations earn billions from advertising without sharing profits with the very musicians who create the music.
The letter delivered to Congress outlines the stark inequity in the current radio landscape. With corporate radio stations generating substantial income, the artists who enhance listener experiences are often left without a fair share of those earnings. "It’s outrageous that big radio companies make billions while denying royalties to performers," commented Nathan Morris. The group expressed hope that Congress will heed the artists' voices and take swift action to pass AMFA.
The AMFA (S.326/H.R.861) has garnered bipartisan support from a diverse coalition. Key lawmakers have already expressed their backing, recognizing the necessity for a performance right for sound recordings in the U.S., a right supported by every administration since President Carter. In a remarkable statistic, public opinion favors the bill, with Americans supporting performance royalties for artists on AM/FM radio by a ratio of 41 to 1.
Music artists, from background vocalists to well-known performers, resonate on the same wavelength about this legislation. LeAnn Rimes underscored the collective sentiment, stating, "Performers dedicate immense time and effort to create music that resonates with many; they deserve to be compensated when their work is played."
The AMFA aims to strike a balance between protecting small local radio stations and ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their contributions. The proposal outlines that nearly two-thirds of radio stations would pay only a nominal fee for unlimited music usage annually, while the largest players would be required to pay their fair share.
The backing of the AMFA by both the recorded music industry and a range of community broadcasters emphasizes its importance across stakeholder groups. As the music landscape continues to evolve, this act represents a necessary legislative shift. SoundExchange, which advocates for a fairer music industry, has played a pivotal role in mobilizing artists and amplifying their message. As they continue to push for AMFA, artists are hopeful that the future brings better recognition and remuneration for their artistry.
This landmark movement highlights the importance of legislative advocacy in ensuring fair treatment in the music industry and securing a future where artists' rights are upheld and recognized. With significant progress being made, the passage of the American Music Fairness Act could redefine the dynamics of artist compensation and royalties in the U.S. music scene.
The Boyz II Men trio, Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman, took center stage at this significant event, meeting with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to impress upon them the importance of fair financial recognition for artists. In a timely interview with NBC’s Ryan Nobles, they discussed the repercussions of the current system, where radio corporations earn billions from advertising without sharing profits with the very musicians who create the music.
The letter delivered to Congress outlines the stark inequity in the current radio landscape. With corporate radio stations generating substantial income, the artists who enhance listener experiences are often left without a fair share of those earnings. "It’s outrageous that big radio companies make billions while denying royalties to performers," commented Nathan Morris. The group expressed hope that Congress will heed the artists' voices and take swift action to pass AMFA.
The AMFA (S.326/H.R.861) has garnered bipartisan support from a diverse coalition. Key lawmakers have already expressed their backing, recognizing the necessity for a performance right for sound recordings in the U.S., a right supported by every administration since President Carter. In a remarkable statistic, public opinion favors the bill, with Americans supporting performance royalties for artists on AM/FM radio by a ratio of 41 to 1.
Music artists, from background vocalists to well-known performers, resonate on the same wavelength about this legislation. LeAnn Rimes underscored the collective sentiment, stating, "Performers dedicate immense time and effort to create music that resonates with many; they deserve to be compensated when their work is played."
The AMFA aims to strike a balance between protecting small local radio stations and ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their contributions. The proposal outlines that nearly two-thirds of radio stations would pay only a nominal fee for unlimited music usage annually, while the largest players would be required to pay their fair share.
The backing of the AMFA by both the recorded music industry and a range of community broadcasters emphasizes its importance across stakeholder groups. As the music landscape continues to evolve, this act represents a necessary legislative shift. SoundExchange, which advocates for a fairer music industry, has played a pivotal role in mobilizing artists and amplifying their message. As they continue to push for AMFA, artists are hopeful that the future brings better recognition and remuneration for their artistry.
This landmark movement highlights the importance of legislative advocacy in ensuring fair treatment in the music industry and securing a future where artists' rights are upheld and recognized. With significant progress being made, the passage of the American Music Fairness Act could redefine the dynamics of artist compensation and royalties in the U.S. music scene.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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