Musicians Union Hails Legislation to Bring Fairness to Radio

Analogies, anyone?

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AFM Hails Legislation to Bring Fairness
to Radio

December 18, 2007 -- The American Federation
of Musicians applauded the introduction today
of the "Performance Rights Bill" designed to
require large radio stations to fairly
compensate musicians for broadcasting their
recordings, while protecting songwriters,
small radio stations and noncommercial and
religious broadcasters.

"For performers, music is hardly ever wealth
and glamour," said AFM President Thomas F.
Lee.  "For most, it is hard work and a modest
living.  It is only fair that corporate radio
compensate musicians when it uses their
recorded work to attract listeners and
advertising dollars.  This bill strikes a
great balance. It will provide fair
compensation for performers, fair
accommodations for small, noncommercial and
religious radio stations, and fair
protections for songwriters.  It will help us
all to survive and bring great music to the
American public."

The bill was introduced in the House by
Representatives Berman, Issa, Conyers,
Shadegg, Harman and Blackburn, and in the
Senate by Senators Leahy, Hatch and Feinstein. 
"Professional musicians are deeply grateful
to  the legislation's sponsors for their
leadership and foresight in trying to bring
the U.S. in line with the developed world,
where performers routinely are paid royalties
for radio broadcasts," said Lee.  The AFM
pledged its support for the legislation and
called for swift enactment.

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of
Musicians of the United States and Canada
(AFM) is the largest organization in the
world dedicated to representing the interests
of professional musicians. With more than
90,000 members, the AFM represents all types
of professional musicians, including those
who record music for sound recordings, film
scores, radio, television and commercial
announcements, as well as perform music of
every genre in every sort of venue from small
jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to
major stadiums.  Whether negotiating fair
agreements, protecting ownership of recorded
music, securing benefits such as health care
and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM
is committed to raising industry standards
and placing the professional musician in the
foreground of the cultural landscape.