Peter Asher Visits Capitol Hill To Talk Creators’ Rights With Lawmakers

Winning the fight for creators' rights takes an army, but certain warriors' weigh in with something special. Perfect example: legendary GRAMMY-winning producer Peter Asher, who has worked with everyone from The Beatles to Ed Sheeran, took time out of his busy touring schedule to advocate on behalf of music makers on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Feb 26.

A Board Member of the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter, Asher paid Capitol Hill a visit between tour stops in Alexandria, Va. and Annapolis, Md. His objective was to share his firsthand experience of how radio takes advantage of creators and convey to lawmakers why the Ask Musicians For Music (AM-FM) Act could make a positive impact.

Asher took formal meetings with several policy makers, including Majority Leader Hoyer (D-Md.) and Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), and Ron Estes (R-Kan.), while also taking the time to chat with Republican Leader McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in between meetings. After the meetings, Asher rounded out his visit with an appearance on "Great Day Washington," directly appealing to and educating citizens about this creator friendly solution.

Focusing on the benefits of the AM-FM Act, Asher walked lawmakers and viewers through the bipartisan and bicameral bill co-sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the Senate and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House. When passed, the Act would require radio stations to ask permission and negotiate fair market rate before playing the music that fills their programming. The Act would end Big Radio’s loophole to deny artists compensation for their work, while ensure small and community broadcasters can remain diverse and thrive for years to come.

A longtime artists’ rights advocate, Asher is no stranger to speaking with lawmakers about how the policy they pass affects the music community. Last year, he hosted a conversation with Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) at the GRAMMY Museum during the Recording Academy's District Advocate day, where he discussed several issues affecting music creators. Asher has also participated and performed at other District Advocate events as well even hosted GRAMMYs on the Hill in 2018.

Just as Asher's incredible catalog illustrates the power of music, his ardent advocacy efforts show the power of perspective when it comes to lawmakers understanding important music policy. To learn more about the AM-FM Act and other important music policy issues, visit the Recording Academy's issues and policy page and contact your members of Congress today to let them know you stand in support of music makers.

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Peter Asher Visits Capitol Hill To Talk Creators’ Rights With Lawmakers

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