NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Radio stations could soon be forced to compensate musicians if a new law is passed in Washington D.C.
The bipartisan American Music Fairness Act, which is sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R -Tenn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), would require AM/FM radio broadcasters to pay performers when their songs are played over the air.
Under current rules, songwriters generally receive royalties for radio play.
Dave Pomeroy, president of the Nashville Musicians Association, said he has advocated for this kind of legislation for years.
“A lot of people don’t realize that all around the world, not only songwriters, but artists and musicians and background singers get paid residuals from radio play,” explained Pomeroy.
In a statement shared with News 2, Blackburn said in part: “The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not paid for the use of their music on AM and FM radio.”
However, the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters is pushing back on the bill, stating it would create a “huge burden” on local radio.
For as long as there has been radio, there has been music. Radio stations consider the music industry our partners. It would be very difficult for one to exist without the other. By playing their music on free local over the air radio, artists have been able to reach massive audiences and grow their fan bases.
Radio stations have paid substantial rights fees to the music industry for decades. Unfortunately, some recording industry labels and executives have decided that it isn’t enough and want to undermine the very platform that fuels its success. Additional fees would create a huge burden on local radio and in many instances would threaten its very existence.
We believe that most artists value their partnership with radio and prefer to continue to grow together. They want and often dream of being on the radio. We would encourage these record labels to support these artists, radio, and the listeners and music fans we serve. If they would like to distribute the billions of dollars in rights fees they collect from radio each year to new and struggling artists, we wholeheartedly support them doing so.
Chris Baker, President and CEO of Tennessee Association of Broadcasters
According to Pomeroy, new language in the bill would protect smaller radio broadcasters who qualify for exemptions.
“A small radio station that makes less than $1.5 million in a year in advertising revenue only has to pay $500,” Pomeroy explained.
Still, the National Association of Broadcasters is urging lawmakers on Capitol Hill to vote no. Alex Siciliano, senior vice president of communications for the National Association of Broadcasters shared a statement with News 2:
“For decades, radio has helped artists reach audiences and grow their fan bases. Now, the recording industry wants Congress to undermine the very platform that fuels its success. Lawmakers have repeatedly rejected this misguided effort, recognizing the harm it would cause local stations and listeners. Instead of imposing new fees on radio, Congress should stand with local communities and support the Local Radio Freedom Act, which had the support of more than 250 bipartisan members of the House and Senate in the last Congress.”
Alex Siciliano, National Association of Broadcasters
The Nashville Music Association added while promotion is important, musicians should be paid in more than just exposure.
“We respect the role that radio plays in the music industry, but this injustice has been going on for a century, and we need to fix it,” Pomeroy told News 2.
The American Music Fairness Act would also require foreign countries to pay American artists for the use of their songs overseas.
The bill is being heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee and will have to pass both houses before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.
