What is the American Music Fairness Act?

The American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) is a proposed U.S. law designed to ensure that music creators are paid when their recordings are played on traditional AM/FM radio. It is known for addressing a long-standing gap in how artists are compensated.

The bill would establish a public performance right for sound recordings on terrestrial radio, meaning that artists, performers, and producers would receive royalties when their music is broadcast—similar to how they are already paid on streaming platforms, satellite radio, and internet radio.

Currently in the United States, radio stations pay songwriters and publishers, but do not pay the performers or recording owners due to an old legal loophole. The American Music Fairness Act aims to close that gap and bring the U.S. in line with most other countries.

The legislation emphasizes fairness and compensation, requiring broadcasters—especially large commercial stations—to pay artists when they use their music, while often including reduced fees or exemptions for small, local, or noncommercial stations.

If enacted, royalties collected from radio play would be distributed to performers and rights holders, creating a new revenue stream for artists and music professionals.

Today, the American Music Fairness Act remains an important topic in music industry policy, valued for its potential to modernize royalty systems and ensure that artists are fairly compensated for the use of their recordings.