On Thursday, Aug. 6, U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) will host “Our Seat at the Table,” a virtual forum focused on ensuring artists, songwriters and independent record labels have a voice in the rapidly evolving streaming and AI economy. As streaming platforms and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the music industry, a coalition of artists’ rights organizations is inviting music creators to join a national conversation about the future of fair compensation. The virtual discussion will spotlight Ross’ recently introduced Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 (PWMA), legislation that would allow artists, songwriters, independent labels and publishers to negotiate collectively with major streaming services and AI developers. The event is presented in partnership with several leading music advocacy organizations, including the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), Fan Alliance, Folk Alliance, Future of Music Coalition, Music Artists Coalition (MAC), Music Managers Forum US (MMF-US), National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), Recording Academy and Songwriters of North America (SONA). The free virtual forum begins at 1 p.m. CDT and is open to artists, songwriters, independent label representatives and others working in the music industry.