American Music Fairness Act: Here's Why Artists Are Rallying Behind It

Have you ever heard of the American Music Fairness Act?

The bill has been on the floor already for quite a time already after it was introduced by two senators in the United States Congress.

Simply put, the HR 4130, or the American Music Fairness Act is a legislation seeking to have radio stations across all fifty states ensure artists and music creators in receiving fair compensation when their songs are being aired on AM and FM radio.

According to Variety, the United States remains the only major country in the world where the radio system is not paying any royalties to performers or copyright owners of the songs it plays.

However, it is important to note that satellite radio, along with streaming services, pay these hardworking performers and copyright holders, but terrestrial radio does not.

According to Global Spec, satellite radio service providers can cover a wider geographic area than terrestrial radio service providers and offer multiple channels.

The bill has the support of both political parties in Congress. Introduced by Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat in California, and Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican in Tenessee, the American Music Fairness Act has the backing of musicians, artists, and other industry leaders in the music scene.

In a letter that Variety has reported, over 60 artists have signed a joint letter to Congress via the musicFIRST organization, urging both parties to pass the act without delay from both sides of the bench.

"This bill, which is identical to the bipartisan H.R. 4130 currently being considered by the House Judiciary Committee, would level the playing field, asking radio broadcasters to play by the same rules as digital platforms, streaming services and others who already pay artists when they use our music," the argued in the letter.

"For decades now, corporate broadcasters have used an antiquated loophole to play unlimited music for free. We have watched as giant radio corporations have continued to grow, raking in billions in advertising dollars while refusing to pay a single cent to us, the artists behind the music that attracts their advertisers in the first place and makes their entire business model possible," it further notes.

Among the artists rallying behind the bill and voicing their support are Gloria Estefan, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and Rick Springfield, among many others.

To know more about the bill, check out this page.