ARTIST GROUPS DELIVER
“JOINT STATEMENT ON CURRENT ISSUES IN RADIO”
TO FCC AND CONGRESS
WASHINGTON – Today a “Joint
Statement on Current Issues in Radio” was delivered to the Federal
Communications Commission and Congressional leaders by four organizations
instrumental in the development of the statement: the American Federation
of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA); American Federation of Musicians
(AFM); the Future of Music Coalition (FMC); and Recording Academy (NARAS).
The “Joint Statement on Current Issues in Radio” was also signed
by six other groups: Association for Independent Music (AFIM); Just Plain
Folks; Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI); National
Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM); National Federation of
Community Broadcasters (NFCB); and Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA).
Representatives from AFTRA, AFM, FMC and the Recording Academy further
clarified why this statement is an important development:
John Connolly, National President, AFTRA: “Royalty artists are a
significant part of our membership, and with the homogenization of radio
playlists, fewer of these artists now receive airplay. Artists are harmed
further by having to share in the costs incurred for independent promotion
and, in addition, artists are forced to perform in venues and for promoters
that are owned by the radio station owners or risk being shut out of markets
entirely. All of these issues severely impact the ability of artists to
succeed. With our diverse membership, AFTRA has a uniquely inside view
of how radio station consolidation is adversely affecting diversity and
competition. AFTRA has continually opposed the loosening of ownership
restrictions with the FCC.”
Tom Lee, International President, AFM: “The art of music and the
business of music both suffer when a de facto payola system means that
recording artists must pay small fortunes in so-called independent promotion
fees for the chance to be heard on the radio. When you add to that the
potential for a handful of radio station groups to lock up huge portions
of the live music business by owning concert promoters and live performance
venues – and then to pressure artists to perform only in their venues
and only for their promoters – the effect is ruinous for artists,
consumers and the growth of American music and culture. The AFM and its
110,000 members are proud to stand with the music community coalition
in asking the FCC and Congressional leaders to review these aspects of
the radio industry.”
Michael Bracy, Director, Government Relations, FMC: “Radio is a public
asset that is managed by the federal government on behalf of American
citizens. Today’s statement makes abundantly clear that artists,
songwriters, labels and retailers are united in opposition to large broadcasters’
claim that consolidation has improved commercial radio. Rather, commercial
radio is anti-artist, anti-competitive and anti-music fan. The joint statement
also emphasizes the music community’s support for non-commercial
radio and webcasting. It is vitally important for the federal government
to prioritize support for these non-commercial outlets that program music
not out of pursuit of profit, but out of love of art. Non-commercial radio
stations and webcasters are critical for artists and fans of music from
niche genres and independent labels.”
Garth Fundis, Chairman, Recording Academy: “On behalf of our 20,000
members, we look forward to a changed environment for radio where excellence
– not money – rules the public airwaves. That this year’s
Album of the Year Grammy went to an album that received virtually no airplay
is a symbol that radio can possibly keep the best product from reaching
the American consumer. We hope that this unprecedented coalition of artists,
merchandisers and record labels will lead to an active dialogue on these
important issues.”
# # #
CONTACTS:
AFTRA: Ann Chaitovitz, (202) 234-8194
AFM: Patricia Polach, (202) 842-2600
FMC: Michael Bracy, (202) 429-8855
RECORDING ACADEMY: Daryl Friedman, (202) 662-1341
AFIM: Courtney Proffitt, (480) 831-2954
JUST PLAIN FOLKS: Brian Austin Whitney, (317) 513-6557
RIAA: Amy Weiss, (202) 857-9629
NSAI: Bart Herbison, (615) 256-3354
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Job
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Comments also ask Copyright
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Act March
10, 2005
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MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
