American Music Fairness Act Introuced by Two Senators

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 1:49pm CT

Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Ted Deutch

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL-22) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA-50) were joined on Capitol Hill by several artists today -- including Dionne Warwick, Sam Moore and others -- to introduce the American Music Fairness Act. The legislation would impose a performance royalty on local broadcast radio stations for over-the-air music airplay, which is currently exempt in exchange for promotional airplay.

The American Music Fairness Act will "ensure music creators are compensated when their music plays on FM/AM radio stations," specifically by imposing a per-play fee on the recording side.

In a statement NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said, "NAB strongly opposes the American Music Fairness Act or any imposition of a performance royalty on America's local radio stations. For decades, broadcast radio has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the music industry, launching and sustaining the careers of countless artists, promoting album sales and streams, and helping to foster a robust music-creation environment that is the envy of the world.

"We thank the 138 Representatives and 18 Senators who are currently co-sponsoring the Local Radio Freedom Act, which acknowledges the long-standing connection between radio and the music industry as well as the tremendous service hometown radio provides to local communities every day.

"Broadcasters remain open to working with the record labels to reach a comprehensive and reasonable solution to this issue that reflects the incredible value provided by local radio to musicians, labels and our millions of listeners over-the-air and online. It is unfortunate that the record industry refuses to have those discussions."