Members Ratify Sound Recordings Contract

On April 30, SAG-AFTRA members ratified the 2024 Sound Recordings Code with a vote of 97.69% to 2.31%. The artificial intelligence guardrails in the new code take effect immediately, specifying the terms “artist,” “singer” and “royalty artist” under this agreement only refer to humans. Clear and conspicuous consent, along with minimum compensation requirements and specific details of intended use, are required prior to the release of a sound recording that uses a digital replication of an artist’s voice. Other gains include a compounded total wage increase of 26.3% over the term, health and retirement improvements — including a general contribution rate increase and an increase in the percentage of streaming revenue to be covered by contributions, which will reach 100% on Dec. 31, 2026.

This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA summer 2024 magazine issue.