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American Music Fairness Act of 2022

4/17/2024, 11:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 4130

The American Music Fairness Act of 2022, also known as Bill 117 hr 4130, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at ensuring fair compensation for music creators and performers. The bill seeks to address the issue of radio stations not paying royalties to artists and musicians for the music they play on air.

Under the American Music Fairness Act, radio stations would be required to pay royalties to artists and musicians for the songs they play on traditional radio broadcasts. This would bring the US in line with many other countries that already have similar laws in place.

The bill has received support from various music industry organizations, as well as artists and musicians who have long advocated for fair compensation for their work. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to update current copyright laws to reflect the digital age and ensure that artists are fairly compensated for their music. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it could place an undue burden on radio stations, particularly smaller, independent stations that may struggle to afford the additional costs of paying royalties. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on listenership and the overall music industry. Overall, the American Music Fairness Act of 2022 is a contentious piece of legislation that seeks to address the issue of fair compensation for music creators and performers. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the potential implications of the bill.

Congressional Summary of HR 4130

American Music Fairness Act of 2022

This bill establishes that the copyright holder of a sound recording shall have the exclusive right to perform the sound recording through an audio transmission and addresses other related issues. (Currently, the public performance right only covers performances through a digital audio transmission in certain instances, which means that nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations generally do not have to secure a license to publicly perform a copyright-protected sound recording.)

Under the bill, a nonsubscription broadcast transmission must have a license to publicly perform such sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board must periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. When determining the rates, the board must base its decision on certain information presented by the parties, including the radio stations' effect on other streams of revenue related to the sound recordings.

Terrestrial broadcast stations (and the owners of such stations) that fall below certain revenue thresholds may pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license to publicly perform copyright-protected sound recordings.

Current Status of Bill HR 4130

Bill HR 4130 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 24, 2021. Bill HR 4130 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 24, 2021.  Bill HR 4130's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 509. as of December 30, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4130

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
72
Democrat Cosponsors
62
Republican Cosponsors
10
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4130

Primary Policy Focus

Commerce

Potential Impact Areas

- Art, artists, authorship
- Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
- Intellectual property
- Licensing and registrations
- Music
- Small business
- Sound recording
- Telecommunication rates and fees

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4130

American Music Fairness Act of 2022
American Music Fairness Act of 2022
To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide fair treatment of radio stations and artists for the use of sound recordings, and for other purposes.
American Music Fairness Act

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