SoundExchange Applauds Reps. Blackburn And Eshoo For Protecting Musicians Rights

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 Rep. Anna Eshoo,
Rep. Anna Eshoo,

Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) introduced H.R. 4588, the Protecting the Rights of Musicians Act, which would require broadcasters, that own radio stations, to pay performance royalties to recording artists and record labels, if those broadcasters would like to opt for retransmission consent payments. On behalf of its President and CEO Michael Huppe, SoundExchange issued the following statement in response to the introduction of this bill:

“We are very grateful for Reps. Blackburn and Eshoo’s legislation. We appreciate their effort to put an end to the double standard that has existed for years in our laws allowing broadcasters to insist on payment for their television content while refusing to pay a dime to the artists who create the music that is played 24/7 on their radio stations.”

As Rep. Blackburn notes: “Broadcasters have repeatedly told us that retransmission consent payments are fair because cable and satellite stations make millions by retransmitting local broadcast content.However, when it comes to music, the same broadcasters, many who own both TV and radio stations, sing a completely different tune.”

SoundExchange applauds the efforts of Reps. Blackburn and Eshoo. We believe all music creators should be compensated for the use of their music.