ACADEMY SETS D.C. ADVOCACY TEAM

Songwriter Sue Ennis and Lalah Hathaway will lead the Recording Academy's National Advocacy Committee, working with the Academy's Advocacy team as a voice for music creators in D.C.

The committee plans to build on the momentum from the Music Modernization Act and their first focus is District Advocate Day on 10/2.

ʺWe are at an inflection point in the music industry,ʺ Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan said. ʺThe MMA was a giant step forward, and now we need to seal the deal in protecting intellectual property and defending creators against exploitative radio practices. I can't think of a more qualified committee to take on these challenges than this one.ʺ

Besides Ennis and Hathaway, the committee includes Claudia Brant, Terry Jones, Emily Lazar and Rico Love. Dugan Harvey Mason Jr. and Daryl Friedman will serve as ex-officio members.

The Advocacy Committee will be encouraging passage of the CASE Act, which establishes a small claims court for copyright cases; establishing a performance right on terrestrial radio; encourage the Department of Justice to ensure fair compensation for songwriters during its review of the consent decrees; and protect arts funding.