Artists deserve to be paid
Artists work incredibly hard to make the music we all know and love. Music helps shape our world and culture, but outdated federal laws fail to ensure that artists are compensated.
Modernize Outdated Laws
AM/FM radio is the only platform that does not pay both the performer and the songwriter. A small loophole in U.S. law allows big radio corporations to deny paying a performance royalty to artists when their music is played on AM/FM. The American Music Fairness Act would close this 100-year-old loophole so that artists are paid while still protecting the songwriter.
Fairness for Creators
We believe that music has value and creators deserve to be paid for their work. This is a bipartisan effort that advocates for artists while still protecting local radio. A simple solution that is fair for everyone.
Music Creators Work Hard
Music creators work incredibly hard to make the sound recordings we all know and love. Music helps shape our world and our culture, but our outdated laws fail to ensure that music creators are compensated fairly. Different platforms are treated differently under the law.
Outdated Laws and Inequity
AM/FM radio is the only platform that does not pay performers and songwriters. The United States is the only democracy that does not pay performers when their songs play on AM/FM radio. The American Music Fairness will update the law so that performers are paid fairly for the work they do.
Fairness as a Principle
Fairness is a principle at the core of our American values. We have to restore fairness to music and ensure that those who create the sound recordings that change our lives are compensated fairly, especially since others are already profiting from their hard work.
ABOUT THE BILL
The American Music Fairness Act is rooted in fairness.
Radio Plays
Artists would get paid for AM/FM radio plays in the same way they are paid when their music is played on every other platform.
Small & Local
Small and local broadcasters would be protected by paying less than $2 per day ($500 annually) for the right to play unlimited music.
Public Broadcast
And public, college, and other noncommercial stations would pay just $10 a year.
