American Music Fairness Act Moves Out of Committee

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 7, 2022

U.S. Congress

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has voted to move the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) out of committee and on to the House for a full vote. If passed, the Act would mandate a new performance fee on over-the-air music airplay on free, local radio stations that many say would jeopardize local jobs, prevent new artists from breaking into the recording business and harm the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on local radio by forcing additional fees. The bill is not expected to pass the current Congress.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said in a statement, "NAB thanks the members of the House Judiciary Committee who voted against the AMFA today, and the more than 250 members of Congress - including a majority of the House of Representatives - that support a resolution opposing this new performance royalty on local radio. These lawmakers understand that AMFA will harm local broadcasters and audiences around the country, undermine our ability to serve their communities and ultimately fail artists by leading to less music airplay.

"Broadcasters urge the recording industry to join us in serious discussions instead of using the few legislative days left in the calendar to pursue divisive legislation that faces broad congressional opposition."