Billboard On The Record How the Fight for Artist Radio Royalties Became a Multi-Decade Battle w/ Michael Huppe
Dec 11, 2025
In this engaging chat, Michael Huppe, CEO of SoundExchange and a prominent figure in music licensing, dives into the unique landscape of artist royalties in U.S. radio. He unpacks the historical laws preventing artists from earning when their songs play on FM/AM radio and discusses the advocacy behind the American Music Fairness Act. Huppe also explores the evolution of radio, from payola scandals to the rise of AI DJs, shedding light on the future of artist compensation and digital music rights.
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U.S. Radio Pays Songwriters Only
- In the U.S., artists receive no royalties when their recordings play on AM/FM terrestrial radio, only songwriters do.
- This makes the U.S. unique among major industrialized countries where performers are usually paid for radio plays.
Radio Became A Follower
- Radio has shifted from being a tastemaker to more of a follower in music discovery.
- Hits now often break on TikTok, streaming or SiriusXM before FM radio picks them up.
Hook Fast, Keep Songs Short
- Keep songs concise and hook listeners early to increase radio and streaming play.
- Shorter songs and immediate hooks improve chances of airplay and listener retention.