WASHINGTON, September 9, 2009 - Reports that Apple will include an FM tuner in the new iPod Nano highlight the important role the music will play in radio's future success. musicFIRST released the following statement. The statement may be attributed to Jennifer Bendall, executive director of the musicFIRST Coalition.

"Today's report that Apple is adding an FM tuner to the iPod Nano is great news for music and great news for radio. It also highlights the key role that music - catalog music, today's music and new music - will play in radio's future success and the importance of enacting a fair performance right for America's artists and musicians, now! Radio needs music more than ever before. It must fairly support the artists and musicians who bring music to life and listeners' ears to the radio dial. FM tuners in portable listening devices like the Nano will allow listeners to take music radio with them wherever they go. But none of this is possible without the hard work and creative talent of artists and musicians who give beauty and meaning to written words and notes."