![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
"RIAA" stands for Recording Industry Association of America. What that means is, we're a non-profit organization representing the companies and people who work in the record business. And sure, for a handful of the most popular artists and companies, it can be a very big business. But for many of our members, it' s a tough game in which thousands of lesser-known bands and performers, and hundreds of smaller labels, try to strike a balance between the art they want to create and the music you, the fans, are willing to buy. The RIAA's number one priority is defending the creative freedom of musical artists to express themselves in any way they choose. So we fight against censorship of rap and rock lyrics. We oppose efforts to keep musicians from performing and selling controversial songs. And we support the rights of artists and their labels to maintain control over their own creative work. That's why we battle music piracy in all its forms, all across the globe. We, and our members, also support an array of grassroots, community-based programs that empower young people, expand economic opportunity and support education, especially music education. From rappers working to contain gang-related violence in the streets to Rock the Vote voter registration campaigns, the RIAA membership is applying the resources and popularity of the music industry to some of the most difficult social challenges facing young Americans. The bottom line is, we love music, just like you do. So the RIAA does things like award the Gold® and Platinum® records to celebrate successful releases. We lobby Congress, state and local governments and even international treaty makers to ensure that musical artists aren't muzzled by censors or ripped-off by pirates anywhere in the world. And we try to ensure that the recording industry provides expanding opportunity for new performers and expanding choices for music fans.
|