There is growing momentum for legislation in congress that would help ensure that artists receive fair compensation for the fruits of their labor. This legislation, H.R. 1733 (also known as the Fair Play Fair Pay Act) will help music creators by leveling the playing field for all radio competitors (AM/FM, satellite, and internet) and ensuring that all platforms pay fair market value for the music that they use. This bill will also tackle some digital service’s efforts to deny payment to those creators whose music was recorded before 1972 and ensure that those creators and copyright holders receive the fair payments to which they are entitled.
As an organization that is dedicated to supporting music business in Colorado, COMBO believes this legislation would be tremendously helpful for musicians trying to make ends meet and we encourage those who are interested to send letters to Congressman Buck, sharing their support and asking him to sign-on as a co-sponsor. The congressman sits on the House Judiciary Committee, the committee that would oversee this bill and determine its future and his input is critical.
Music creators enjoy a performance right for radio in almost every industrialized country. America stands outside this mainstream, alongside nations like North Korea, China, and Iran who also deny performance rights. Ensuring fair pay for radio play across all platforms is long overdue and, by working together to get Congresswoman Buck to support this bill, we will be one step closer to making fair pay for music creators a reality.
Take Action:
Colorado’s own Congressman Ken Buck sits on the House Judiciary Committee which will have jurisdiction over this issue and his support will be important to the success of the Fair Pay Fair Play Act.
We hope you will please send a letter to Congressman Buck and encourage him to co-sponsor the Fair Pay Fair Play Act.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1733/text
The Honorable Congressman Ken Buck
Legislative Director: Ritika Robertson – ritika.robertson@mail.house.gov
416 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
T: 202-225-6311
F: 202-225-5870