Congress Has Entered the Music Business
Apparently, the music industry now has a new collaborator: Congress. And instead of writing lyrics, they're writing legislation.
According to Digital Music News, the week of September 15 was a surprisingly busy one for music-related legislation. The House passed the American Music Tourism Act and the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on the same day, while the MAIN Event Ticketing Act advanced through committee the following day.
Let's start with AM radio. The proposed law would require new cars sold or manufactured in the U.S. to include AM radio, beginning one year after the law takes effect. The bill has significant bipartisan support, with 317 House cosponsors and 60 Senate cosponsors currently listed. Supporters point to AM radio's role in emergency alerts and broadcasting, while the legislation also raises questions about regulating technology that the auto industry has increasingly moved away from.
Then there's the American Music Tourism Act, which is basically Congress saying, “Hey, what if we got more people to fly here for concerts?” The legislation directs the Commerce Department to promote international travel to American music attractions, including concerts, festivals, venues, museums, studios and other music-related destinations.
Finally, we have everyone's favorite concert experience: trying to buy tickets before a robot does.
The MAIN Event Ticketing Act would strengthen existing anti-bot rules by requiring ticket platforms to use technological safeguards against automated purchasing and report when their systems are bypassed. Violations could result in civil penalties of at least $10,000 per day.
And these aren't the only music bills floating around Washington. The TICKET Act, which focuses on ticket-price transparency, is also awaiting Senate action, while the RAP Act and American Music Fairness Act remain stalled.
So what does all this mean?
The music industry isn't just changing because of streaming, TikTok and AI. Government policy is becoming another major part of the conversation.
Between keeping AM radio alive, bringing international fans to American concerts and trying to stop bots from stealing your Beyoncé tickets, Congress is officially on the playlist.
Just don't expect them to release an EP anytime soon.
