CREDIT: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Speaking in support of the bill, Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), emphasized the bill’s broad support. “Who would have thought that a Congressman from rural Georgia would find agreement with a liberal democrat from Brooklyn?,” said Collins, referring to NY Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
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Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) noted that the bill “doesn’t address everything” – notably omitting performer payment for radio airplay – but stresses it makes significant improvements. Goodlatte summed up those improvements in four specific areas, saying it will:
- Improve a dysfunctional mechanical licensing system “that seems to generate more paperwork and attorneys’ fees than royalties.”
- Ensure royalty protection for pre-1972 performances
- Provide a statutory right to recognition for adjunct creators, including producers, sound engineers, and mixers
- lack of a unified rate standard for music royalties
The MMA combines four separate legislative initiatives into a single bill that will update how music rates are set and how songwriters and artists are paid.
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