News

Today the United States Senate unanimously passed H.R. 1551 the Orrin G. Hatch Music Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by more than 80 Senators that updates the music licensing system for the digital age. The comprehensive bill includes the CLASSICS Act, legislation that guarantees artists and labels who recorded music before 1972 a federal right to be paid for those recordings when played by digital radio outlets. Below is a comment from Mitch Glazier, President, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA):

“As legendary band the Grateful Dead once said in an iconic pre-1972 song, ‘what a long strange trip it’s been.’  It’s been an epic odyssey, and we’re thrilled to almost be at our destination.

“For the modern U.S. Senate to unanimously pass a 185-page bill is a herculean feat, only achievable because of the grit, determination and mobilization of thousands of music creators across the nation.  The result is a bill that moves us toward a modern music licensing landscape better founded on fair market rates and fair pay for all.  At long last, a brighter tomorrow for both past and future generations of music creators is nearly upon us.  We are indebted to the leadership of Senators Hatch, Grassley, Feinstein, Alexander, Coons, Kennedy and Whitehouse for helping get us there.”

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