Meaningful change doesn't just happen, it requires action. Next week for District Advocate day on Oct. 2, 1,700 music creators across the U.S. will raise their voices to tell lawmakers loud and clear how policy issues affect the lives and livelihoods of music makers. Many more vocal supporters have already signed up to amplify that message and show their solidarity with the creatives behind the music they love. It is a critical mass such as this that creates change, just as past District Advocate days played a critical role in the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) into law.
But what exactly is District Advocate day?
Music creators form a vibrant and central part of every district in America, but some lawmakers may not get the chance to speak with members of the music community and learn how certain laws and regulations affect the music industry. For District Advocate day, the Recording Academy schedules hundreds of meetings between its members and their representatives to discuss key issues.
And what are those key issues? Following the enactment of the Music Modernization Act, this year there is still important legislation on the table that will have direct influence on the lives of music creators.
Read All About Key Issues & Policy Affecting Performers, Songwriters & Studio Professionals
For instance, the Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) will establish a small claims court for copyright cases to better protect creators unable to afford costly federal litigation that prevents many independent songwriters and artists from protecting their work from infringement.
Music creators will advocate for their local representatives to finally establish a public performance right for radio, letting them know that big radio is reaping billions in advertising revenues without permission from or compensation of the artist. While the issue has bipartisan support, now is the time to ramp up the urgency to encourage Congress to make it happen
Also, as the Department of Justice reviews the consent decrees that have governed how performing rights organizations ASCAP and BMI license rights to publicly perform music, District Advocate day participants will have a chance to urge Congress to allow the DOJ to conduct its review and to help ensure songwriters have the opportunity to earn fair market compensation for their work.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As stakeholders' comments on consent decrees are reviewed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DOJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DOJ</a>, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim weighs in. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CASEAct?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CASEAct</a><a href="https://t.co/Z1EpEKTxVV">https://t.co/Z1EpEKTxVV</a></p>— GRAMMY Advocacy (@GRAMMYAdvocacy) <a href="https://twitter.com/GRAMMYAdvocacy/status/1174496767573970944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Discussing these topics in person will give lawmakers a first-hand accounts of the affect their decisions has on the music community in their own backyard. But no matter who you are or where you'll be on Oct. 2, you can get involved and show your support for the music creators behind the songs and recordings that soundtrack our lives.
It's not too late to learn more and sign up to speak up in support of music creators on District Advocate day, Oct. 2, 2019!
Jason Mraz Announced As Recording Academy District Advocate Day Ambassador
