Saving Country Music is taking a hard stance on AI-generated music, enforcing new submission rules starting in 2026. The aim is to protect human creators and maintain the integrity of music journalism.
In light of the growing concern over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on music, Saving Country Music has announced a new policy that will reshape how music submissions are handled. Scheduled to take effect in 2026, this policy mandates that all music sent to the site—whether from artists, publicists, or labels—must explicitly state if AI played a role in its creation. This disclosure isn’t just for internal records; the public will also see this information as part of the coverage on the site.
The guidelines are clear: any music that contains 50% or more AI-generated lyrics, or any audible sounds generated by AI, will be disqualified from receiving reviews or editorial opportunities. However, this doesn’t mean AI music is off the table. Saving Country Music plans to continue exploring the effects of AI on the music industry, even while implementing these rules. The organization encourages other media outlets to adopt similar policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust in music journalism and protecting the interests of human creators.
The move comes at a time when music media faces challenges related to credibility and relevance. By creating robust policies around AI, outlets can serve as guides for the public, helping them navigate this transformative time in the industry. Although Saving Country Music’s policy will be enforced, it acknowledges the reality that AI-generated music may occasionally be covered without prior disclosure. In such cases, updates will be made swiftly upon confirmation of AI involvement.
Importantly, human creators utilizing AI as a tool for research or inspiration will not be penalized, provided that the majority of the composition is still crafted by a human. Just as explicit lyrics must be disclosed to radio stations, the outlet believes that artists should clearly label tracks that are either AI-generated or “AI = clean.” This sentiment extends to streaming services and charting organizations like Billboard, urging them to implement similar practices.
As the policy rolls out, a 60-day grace period will allow labels and artists to adjust to these new regulations. During this time, education will be provided to ensure compliance, leading into full enforcement in March 2026. The aim is to create a balanced approach that allows AI music to coexist with human-created works while protecting the fragile ecosystem of the music industry.
