The American Music Fairness Act Reintroduced in the 118th Congress 

April 1, 2023

Alfonso Pollard  -  

With the installment of the new 118th Congress in January, leadership changes in the House of Representatives required our intrepid lobbying team to re-engage both chambers. With the help of House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) as well as previous Senate Sponsors Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), the American Music Fairness Act was jointly reintroduced in both chambers on February 2. 

In the Senate, Padilla and Blackburn were joined this time by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), illustrating a strong bipartisan start for the year. In the House, Nadler and Issa were joined by Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Tom McClintock (R-CA). Early introduction is significant as we fully recognized that the broadcasters would reintroduce their opposing resolutions (H.Con.Res. 13 and S.Con.Res. 5), which was accomplished on February 6 and March 9, respectively. 

Our lobbying team is led by the SoundExchange board, of which AFM President Ray Hair is a permanent member; former Congressman Joe Crowley (now senior policy director in Dentons’ Public Policy practice) and Dentons’ lobbying teams; and representatives from the most prominent music industry associations—RIAA, AFM, SAG-AFTRA, American Association of Independent Music, Christian Music Trade Association, Music Manager Forum, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Recording Academy, Latin Recording Academy, The Vocal Group, and Future of Music Coalition. Our communication team is led by Bully Pulpit Interactive (BPI), a prominent Washington, DC, political communications group.  

We are lobbying just about every caucus in Congress, with my focus on the Congressional Black Caucus. 

With our tremendous success in the previous Congress, we will again be calling on you as AFM members to contact your senators and representatives. Thank you for your continued support. The creative property and performances of musical artists should not be exploited by terrestrial radio broadcasters for their commercial profit. 

Human Artistry Campaign Supports Songwriters and Musicians’ Rights 

The fast rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has opened up a world of challenges regarding copyright and creators’ rights. Virtually anyone can potentially create a hit song with the help of the chatbot like ChatGPT, but what are the limits? What’s more, what are the ethical implications of a technology that seemingly has no limits—and no concept of ethics or humanity? 

To meet those challenges, the Human Artistry Campaign, was recently announced, with support from the AFM and more than 40 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, American Association of Independent Music, Recording Academy, the National Music Publishers Association, and many others.  

With a stated goal “to ensure artificial intelligence technologies are developed and used in ways that support human culture and artistry—and not ways that replace or erode it,” the organization outlined principles advocating AI best practices, “emphasizing respect for artists, their work, and their personas; transparency; and adherence to existing law, including copyright and intellectual property.” To learn more, visit: www.humanartistrycampaign.com. 

---