Artists Lyle Lovett and Alice Peacock with Senators Cornyn, Leahy & Spector

Artists Lovett and Peacock testify at Congressional hearing on behalf of musicFIRST

FOR MORE PHOTOS, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/musicfirstcoalition/

Dear MMF Members and Friends,

The MMF is a founding member of a coalition called musicFIRST (Fairness In Radio Starting Today). Over 160 recording artists and numerous industry organizations are part of this coalition, which was formed in order to obtain a full performance right for recording artists in the US. The US is the only Western industrialized country where artists do not get compensated when their songs are played on AM/FM radio. Satellite and internet radio stations in the US compensate artists when their songs are played, as do all forms of radio in virtually every other industrialized Western country.

The MMF-US anticipates bi-partisan legislation will be introduced in Congress before the end of 2007. Once that legislation is introduced, we will need all MMF members to send an email to their Senators and Congressmen supporting the right of recording artists to get paid when their recordings are used by radio stations to sell advertising. More information to come on this to members.

Attached are several articles regarding the musicFIRST coalition. Additional information on this issue can be found at http://www.musicfirstcoalition.org/ (MMF NOTE: download Adobe Flash FREE to view the website)

If you know of a recording artist that would like to join the musicFIRST Coalition, please send an email to presnick@rzo.com.

In addition, it is crucial that you inform your representatives in Washington DC about the importance of artists being compensated when their songs are played on the radio. Broadcasters are in every district and have a very strong voice in Washington. We need to show our representatives that artists have a strong voice as well. This is especially important if you live outside NY, LA or Nashville. It will take less than 1 minute of your time if you use the following link:
http://www.capwiz.com/musicfirstcoalition/home/

With the powerful, collective voice of artists and their representatives, we are fighting for the right of artists to be compensated when their recordings are used by broadcasters who have built multi-billion dollars companies on the backs of recording artists. Thank you for your support.

The MMF-US Board of Directors
The musicFIRST Coalition has over 160 artists and numerous industry organizations committed to securing a performance right for everyone from up-and-coming artists to our favorites from years-ago.

Since musicFIRST’s launch last on June 14, 2007, coalition has conducted several in-person meetings with members of Congress, been the subject of over 25 articles in publications from the Boston Globe to Billboard, and generated an online buzz with more than 30 blog posts dedicated to a performance right.

musicFIRST continues to sign-up new artists and organizations and looks forward to upcoming Congressional hearings where our elected leaders will take a critical look at the 'Corporate Radio loophole' that allows a free pass on a performance right to AM/FM radio stations.

However, musicFIRST needs your help, your insight and your talent:

• Visit the Web site www.musicFIRSTcoalition.org and send a letter to your Senator and Representative asking for a performance right. It only takes a couple of clicks.
• Will you lend your voice? musicFIRST is creating a collection of Pod casts for inclusion on the coalition's Web site and distribution to Congress and opinion leaders. These pod casts are personal perspectives on performance right and explain the importance of this initiative.
• Want to do more? Contact musicFIRST and they will outline how you can make the greatest impact.

Of all the ways we listen to music, 'Corporate Radio' is the only medium that receives special treatment. It's time they start playing by the same rules as their competitors: Internet, satellite and cable radio. It's time for a full performance right.

– from the Executive Board of the MMF-US

P.S. Please take a moment and visit www.musicFIRSTcoalition.org and make your voice heard on behalf of performance right.