Active Legislation – 119th Congress
American Music Fairness Act
Closing the AM/FM radio loophole so performers and producers are finally paid when their music is broadcast. The only major music platform that doesn't compensate creators is terrestrial radio
Why AM/FM Radio Must Pay Music Creators
Key facts
Status
Active in 199th Congress
Annual cost to U.S. artists
$200M+ in lost overseas royalties
Small broadcaster protection
As low as $10/year
Countries without performance right
U.S., China, North Korea, Iran
Related legislation
Music Modernization Act (2018)
Traditional AM/FM radio broadcasts music to generate billions in advertising revenue, yet it is the only major music platform in the United States that does not compensate performers and producers for using their sound recordings. Internet radio, satellite radio, cable radio, and streaming services all pay royalties to artists. Terrestrial radio does not.
This disparity costs American artists more than $200 million annually in overseas royalties alone, because most other countries will not pay U.S. artists when their music is played abroad since the U.S. does not recognize a reciprocal performance right.
The American Music Fairness Act would create parity across all music platforms, requiring AM/FM broadcasters to compensate artists at fair market rates. The bill includes protections for small and community broadcasters, with special exemptions that allow qualifying stations to pay as little as $10 per year.
What the Bill Does
AMFA establishes a public performance right for sound recordings on terrestrial radio, meaning artists would be compensated whenever their music is broadcast on AM/FM. It also unlocks hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas royalties that are currently collected but never paid to American artists.
What the Bill Does
In December 2025, rock icon Gene Simmons testified before the U.S. Senate in support of the American Music Fairness Act, calling the current system an injustice against music creators. The bill has strong bipartisan support and continues to gain co-sponsors in both chambers of Congress.
Gene Simmons testifies before the U.S. Senate on the American Music Fairness Act, December 2025
Legislative Timeline
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December 2025
Senate Hearing with Gene Simmons
Rock icon Gene Simmons testified before the U.S. Senate, declaring it time to end the injustice of unpaid radio royalties for performers and producers.
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June 2021
What the Bill Does
Reps. Ted Deutch and Darrell Issa introduced the bipartisan AMFA in the House of Representatives, building on decades of advocacy for a terrestrial performance right.
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October 2018
Music Modernization Act Signed into Law
Landmark legislation modernizing music licensing, establishing the mechanical licensing collective, and recognizing producers in copyright law for the first time.
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2014
Music Advocacy Day Launches
The Academy launches its nationwide grassroots lobbying campaign, bringing music creators to the local offices of elected officials in their home districts.
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2004
Recording Academy D.C. Office Opens
The Academy establishes its Advocacy & Public Policy office in Washington, D.C., creating a permanent presence to represent music creators on Capitol Hill.
Why Advocacy Matters to Creators
“
My song plays on the radio hundreds of times a week. I get paid by streaming, by satellite, by internet radio. AM/FM? Nothing. That's not right.
“
“Going to Capitol Hill and sitting across from my senator, explaining how AI deepfakes threaten my voice and my livelihood, that changed everything for me.”
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“The AMP Act meant that for the first time in history, my work as a producer was recognized in copyright law. That happened because Academy members showed up.”
Tell Congress to Support AMFA
Your Voice Makes a Difference
Use the tool to contact your representatives directly. It takes less than two minutes to send a message urging them to co-sponsor the American Music Fairness Act.
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