Ronnie Spector, Cyndi Lauper and Elvis Costello have joined forces.
The National Association of Broadcasters claims that the Fair Play, Fair Pay Act is unnecessary, because artists are paid by the radio in "promotional value" or "exposure." But many artists disagree. Grammy-winning artist Rosanne Cash says, "Exposure is something you die of," and musicians deserve fair pay for their work.
Top U.S. Copyright official Maria Pallante also questions the decades-old justification for not compensating artists. "As consumer preferences shift away from music ownership, the potential for sales is becoming less relevant, and the promotional value of radio less apparent," she says.
Many artists believe the Fair Play, Fair Pay Act can and should become law.
"I support the Fair Play, Fair Pay Act because I love music and I think all musicians should be paid," says singer Cyndi Lauper.
"Every democratic country in the world pays musicians for radio play," says Cake's John McCrea. "We think the United States is a good enough country to do that as well."
To learn more, please visit www.musicfirstcoalition.org.