Federal AM Radio Mandate Dropped from Government Funding Package
The AM in Every Vehicle Act has been removed from the federal government funding bill, following opposition from musicians and the musicFirst Coalition. The key issue revolves around the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), which would require radio stations to pay artists royalties for AM/FM radio plays.
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The United States remains one of the few industrialized nations where artists don't receive royalties for AM/FM radio plays. AM radio alone plays over 240 million songs annually without compensating artists. The musicFirst Coalition argues that passing the AM bill without AMFA would legitimize this system.
Despite spending over $3 million in lobbying efforts, the National Association of Broadcasters failed to secure the AM bill's passage. Notable artists including David Byrne, Randy Travis, MC Lyte, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, and Melle Mel advocated against passing the AM bill without AMFA.
"This is a major win for all music artists across the country," says Darryl McDaniels, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for artists.
SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe noted that Congress should not mandate radio requirements without ensuring appropriate artist royalties. The musicFirst Coalition estimates radio companies generate over $15 billion in ad revenue while not paying artists for their music.
AM/FM radio remains the only music platform legally playing music without compensating artists, a practice that continues to face mounting opposition from the music industry and artists alike.
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