Coalition Urges AM Radio Mandate Should Include Artist Royalties

A coalition of major automakers and tech companies has urged Congress to pair the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). In a letter to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, the group argues that mandating AM radio in vehicles without addressing performance royalties perpetuates an unfair system that denies artists compensation.

The AMFA would require terrestrial radio, which earned $13.6 billion in ad revenue last year, to pay artists for their music—unlike satellite radio and streaming services, which already compensate artists. The coalition emphasizes fairness, noting that terrestrial radio’s exemption creates a competitive disadvantage for some members and deprives artists of millions annually.

As the House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to review the AM radio mandate, the coalition calls for swift action on AMFA to close this loophole, ensuring artists are paid for their work if AM radio is mandated.