The AFM strongly opposes increasing O & P Visa fees as proposed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS is very short-sighted in its proposal, as imposing such increases will vastly limit international touring and arts collaborations. In a letter sent February 8, 2023 to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member […]
In early December, the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), which would require AM/FM stations to pay performance royalties to featured artists, musicians, and vocalists for radio airplay, moved a step closer to passage as the House Judiciary Committee voted favorably to advance the bill. While the AMFA, ultimately, was not included in the final language […]
In the wake of the destruction caused by hurricanes Fiona and Ian, the AFM is offering assistance through its Emergency Relief Fund. Members in good standing who reside in or were employed as musicians in areas designated by FEMA as Federal Disaster Areas for Individual Assistance are encouraged to apply to the AFM Hurricane Relief […]
Congress moved a step closer to ending a decades-long injustice against music creators with today’s Senate introduction of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). The legislation, sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), would require broadcast corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays. An identical bill (HR 4130) […]
Labor Day is the day we recognize the spirit, strength, and contributions of working men and women across this nation. For far too long, corporations have attempted to divide and weaken workers by rigging the economy to work for the few, or the one, at the expense of the many. Employers would like to dismantle […]
In one of the most stunning reversals in the modern era of the US Supreme Court, a majority of the Court overturned a nearly 50-year precedent in Roe v. Wade and gave states a license to ban abortion. This ruling is an attack on women’s reproductive health and a dangerous setback for fundamental human rights. […]
AFM International President Ray Hair has named John K. Painting as AFM Director of the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) and Assistant to the President, following the unexpected passing of EMSD Director Pat Varriale in May. “I have immense respect for John and his thorough knowledge of AFM’s media agreements,” says AFM President Ray Hair. […]
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) applauds Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Shelly Lowe, chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities on their announcements that Chief Diversity Officers will be created at each agency. The new diversity officers will help […]
The International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada issued the following statement regarding the recent gun violence tragedies: “Our emotions are still raw from the senseless mass murders in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. We grieve with the families of those killed and the communities affected […]
We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, Pat Varriale, Electronic Media Services Division Director and Assistant to the President, who passed away Friday, May 13. Pat had been a valued member of our team since he was first hired in October 1974 into what was then known […]
