Over 300 Artists Rally for the American Music Fairness Act
On February 14, 2025, SoundExchange celebrated a significant moment for artist rights as more than 300 major recording artists came together to advocate for the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure that artists receive fair compensation when their music is played on AM/FM radio. The delivery of a letter supporting this act was marked by a notable appearance from the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men on World Radio Day.
Boyz II Men Takes Action
Members of Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman—visited Congress to deliver the letter to lawmakers, emphasizing the urgent need for AMFA. The group met with both Democratic and Republican leaders, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to discuss the inequities in the current system that allows corporate broadcasters to profit immensely while artists receive no compensation for their work.
Broad Support from the Music Community
The letter delivered by Boyz II Men included signatures from a diverse array of artists spanning various genres and eras, such as Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and Mariah Carey. This collective effort underscores the music community’s unified stance on the need for fair compensation. In an exclusive interview with NBC’s ‘Today’ show, the members of Boyz II Men articulated the importance of the legislation, asserting that artists deserve to be paid for their contributions to the music industry.
The Need for Fair Compensation
SoundExchange President & CEO Michael Huppe expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from artists, highlighting the inequities in existing laws. He stated, “It’s particularly poignant that Boyz II Men members delivered this letter to Congress on World Radio Day because radio’s enduring appeal is something to be celebrated, but not at the expense of the hard-working professionals who create the sounds that fill the speakers.”
The artists emphasized that while radio once served as a promotional tool for emerging musicians, the landscape has changed. Carly Simon noted that fewer Americans are discovering new music through radio, yet large radio companies continue to generate billions in advertising revenue without compensating the artists whose work attracts listeners.
Legislative Details of AMFA
The American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861) aims to require large radio companies to pay artists for airplay while simultaneously protecting small, local broadcasters. The act was reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Marsha Blackburn, Alex Padilla, Thom Tillis, and Cory Booker, and in the House by Representatives Darrell Issa, Jerry Nadler, Mark Green, Tom McClintock, and Ted Lieu.
AMFA proposes a balanced approach, ensuring that artists are compensated fairly while allowing nearly two-thirds of radio stations to pay $500 or less annually for unlimited music. This legislation has garnered support from a wide coalition, including broadcasters and music advocates, emphasizing the necessity of fair compensation in the evolving music landscape.
The push for the American Music Fairness Act represents a critical moment for artists seeking equitable treatment in the music industry. With the backing of over 300 artists and the efforts of influential groups like SoundExchange, there is hope that Congress will take action to ensure that those who create music are compensated for their contributions. As the music community unites for this cause, the future of fair compensation for artists hangs in the balance.