South OC Times

Washington – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, will convene a hearing entitled “Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists” on June 26 at 2 p.m. ET.

The hearing will highlight the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), Rep. Issa’s legislation to ensure that artists and music creators are paid when their songs are played on FM/AM radio. Issa’s bill specifically brings radio broadcasters in line with the music industry by compensating artists for the performance of their work.

“For 100 years, American copyright law has denied fair compensation to songwriters when their music is played on the radio – denying them as much as $100 million in profits from a flaw almost completely unique to the U.S.,” said Rep. Issa. “It’s time for Congress to correct this mistake and allow these artists to collect the royalties they have earned. The American Music Fairness Act will deliver just that.”

The hearing will feature Country Music Hall of Fame recording artist Randy Travis and examine flaws in American copyright law that prevent the creators and publishers of music from receiving royalties for their work broadcast over radio. The hearing will also explore competing legislative proposals addressing this medium and the payment of royalties.

AMFA has been cosponsored by several members:

Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12)

Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36)

Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05)

Rep. Mark E. Green (TN-07)

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28)

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)

Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)

Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-30)

Witnesses testifying at the hearing include:

Randy Travis (assisted by his wife, Mary Travis) – Recording artist

Curtis LeGeyt – President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters

Mike Huppe – President and CEO, SoundExchange

Eddie Harrell – Regional Vice President and General Manager, Radio One, Inc., Cleveland

“Royalties are critical for survival in today’s music industry, and that’s especially true for working-class musicians and performers who are not able to tour,” said Travis. “The American Music Fairness Act will make a real difference in the lives of working musicians – not just big-name artists, but folks all around the country who play on albums or sing backup vocals on top of a nine-to-five job. I’m looking forward to this hearing and talking about the urgent need for Congress to pass this bill and level the playing field for creators,” said Mr. Travis.

Tune into tomorrow’s hearing here.