Congress Introduces Bipartisan AM-FM Act Requiring Radio Stations to Pay Artists Royalties

On Nov. 21, The United States Congress introduced a new bipartisan bill, known as The Ask Musicians for Music Act, AM-FM Act, for radio stations to pay royalties to musicians.

The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The two introduced the bill on the basis to pay a fair market value for any music broadcasted over the air.

“We applaud Chairman Nadler and Senator Blackburn for their leadership in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation,” said Chairman and CEO of the RIAA, Mitch Glazier, in support of the act. “By requiring broadcasters to ger permission from music creators to use their music in the same way broadcasters are entitled to give permission for the use of their signal.

The National Association of Broadcasters announced their opposition to the newly introduced bill.

“NAB opposes the AM-FM Act, which could decimate the economics of America’s hometown radio station that have launched the careers of countless musicians and exposed legacy artists to a new generation of listeners,” said Gordon Smith, president and CEO of the NAB. “NAB’s door remains open to work with the record labels to find a holistic solution to this issue that reflects the enduring value to artists and labels of local radio.