Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet will hold a hearing on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET. The hearing, "Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists," will examine why creators have traditionally not received royalty payments for the public performance of their creative works by nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations, as well as efforts to modernize copyright law. The hearing will explore competing legislative proposals, including the American Music Fairness Act of 2023, which would require a license for broadcasting creative works over the radio, and the Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act, which aims to prevent Congress from imposing fees, licenses, or other charges related to the public performance of sound recordings.

WITNESSES: 

• Randy Travis (assisted by Mary Travis), Recording artist - testimony 
• Mr. Curtis LeGeyt, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Broadcasters - testimony 
• Michael Huppe, President and Chief Executive Officer, SoundExchange - testimony 
• Eddie Harrell Jr., Regional Vice President and General Manager, Radio One, Inc., Cleveland - testimony