President Lee's Statement on Performance Rights Bill Approval by Committee
President Lee's Statement on Performance Rights Bill Approval by Committee
May 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today the House Judiciary Committee approved the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848). The Bill will close a loophole in copyright law that allows music radio stations to earn billions of dollars each year without compensating the artists, musicians and rights holders who record the music and bring listeners to the stations.
“The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada applauds Chairman Conyers and Committee members for approving the Performance Rights Act and for recognizing how important it is to ensure that performers are paid for their hard work.
“Most performers are not rich, but hardworking men and women trying to make a living. A source of income is being denied to these men and women by over-the-air AM/FM radio, which gets its advertising revenue and listeners from the popularity of their recordings. The Performance Rights Act would give performers a fair recognition of the value their recordings bring to radio. A royalty payment of just a fraction of a cent per song would have a big impact on working musicians.
“This legislation will close the loophole in the copyright law and end the free pass that terrestrial radio has enjoyed to play music without paying the royalties that all other music platforms -- including satellite, cable and Internet radio stations -- pay artists, musicians and rights holders for the use of their recordings.
“The AFM now urges Congress to continue the momentum and ensure that U.S. artists and musicians receive the performance right they deserve.”
ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, 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, videogames, 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. <file:///C:Documents%20and%20SettingsAdministratorLocal%20SettingsTemporary%20Internet%20FilesOLK10Fwww.afm.org> www.afm.org
