Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
18 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2021 | sagaftra.org For Members Music Royalty Payments Hit a High Note Music royalties for digital, satellite and cable transmissions — not FM/AM — are reaching new highs for members. Last year, the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund worked to get $60 million in royalties in members' pockets, and on April 30, it made a record- breaking distribution of more than $70 million — for a total of more than half a billion dollars since its inception. The Fund is a nonprofit organization that was created to collect and distribute royalties to non-featured performers on sound recordings for songs played on satellite radio, non- interactive streaming, and other digital formats domestically and internationally. As digital platforms have grown, so have AFM & SAG-AFTRA's royalty collections and payout demands. While it is increasingly challenging to identify, locate, and pay the right people, the Fund has continued to expand, collecting and distributing millions of dollars in royalties on behalf of non-featured performers. As the music industry slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, royalty payments remain an important source of income for many members, and the Fund will continue to ensure that these creative professionals receive the money they are owed. Find out more at: afmsagaftrafund.org. A FL-CIO President Richard Trumka passed away at the age of 72 on Aug. 5, right after the print issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine went to print. On behalf of SAG-AFTRA, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, President Gabrielle Carteris issued a statement. "I am devastated to learn of Rich's passing today," she said. "SAG-AFTRA members and all workers have lost a true champion and ally. First and always a working man, Rich was also an incredible labor leader and a deeply admired voice for the voiceless. He was more than a fellow labor advocate, activist and warrior for the working class; he was my friend and partner. "An influential and inspirational leader, he gave his all for the betterment of workers and improved countless lives yet, at heart, he always remained the coal miner from Nemacolin. This is not only a huge loss for union members, but for all workers. "We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all our brothers and sisters in the global fight for workers." Union Reacts to AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's Passing AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stands at the podium at the SAG-AFTRA national convention in 2013, while SAG-AFTRA officers applaud. From left, then-Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris and Vice President, New York Mike Hodge.