American Music Fairness Act Gains Support from Top Artists
More than 300 recording artists are urging Congress to pass the American Music Fairness Act, a bill that would require AM/FM radio stations to pay performers when their music is played. High-profile musicians, including Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Céline Dion, and Mariah Carey, signed a letter calling for action, arguing that corporate broadcasters profit from their work without compensating them.
I truly enjoyed hosting @BoyzIIMen during their visit to the Capitol today. Since the band’s formation in 1985, these guys have
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 14, 2025
sold over 60 million albums and created a large part of the soundtrack of our lives. Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman have still got it! pic.twitter.com/0IBX836Ygv
“For decades, corporate broadcasters have unjustly exploited an antiquated loophole in the law,” the letter states. “Each year, AM/FM radio stations generate billions in advertising revenue while refusing to pay a cent to the artists behind the music.”
The Debate Over Radio Royalties
Currently, radio stations pay royalties to songwriters and publishers through performing rights organizations, but performers receive nothing unless they are also songwriters. Industry groups representing broadcasters argue that radio provides valuable exposure for artists and that additional royalties could financially strain local stations.
The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters expressed concerns that the act could “cripple many local radio stations” and harm communities relying on AM/FM for news and emergency information.
Provisions for Small Stations and Changing Music Discovery Trends
The proposed legislation includes a carve-out allowing small and independently owned stations to pay as little as $500 annually for unlimited music use. Supporters argue that the digital age has changed music discovery, making traditional radio play less beneficial for artists.
“When I was starting out, radio was free promotion for new artists,” Carly Simon said. “That’s no longer the case. Today, AM/FM makes billions in ad revenue without compensating the artists they play. This needs to end.”
Boyz II Men Lobbying Congress for Change
In addition to the letter, R&B group Boyz II Men will meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for the bill.
“It’s outrageous that big radio companies profit while denying royalties to performers,” the group said in a joint statement. “We hope Congress listens to artists and passes this bill.”
Despite multiple attempts, versions of the American Music Fairness Act have yet to reach a committee vote. However, with renewed pressure from the music industry, the legislation may gain momentum in the current session.
