Recording Industry Association of America American organization Also known as: RIAA Written by Michael L. Austin Contributor to SAGE Publications's The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Mass Media and Society (2020) whose work appears in Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with SAGE. Michael L. Austin Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 20, 2026 •History The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a Washington, D.C.–based trade organization that represents major American music companies and record labels (including producers, manufacturers, and distributors of audio recordings). Membership is not open to individuals. The RIAA’s mission is to protect its constituents’ intellectual property, to conduct industry and technical research, and to monitor federal and state laws regarding music and intellectual property. The RIAA is a key figure in lobbying the U.S. Congress...

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