The Nashville-based non-profit organization that represents commercially licensed radio stations when it comes to music licensing matters has selected the former General Counsel at Audacy Inc. as its next Executive Director, as Bill Velez will be retiring on January 1, 2026 — ending a 17-year tenure.
Earning the role is Andrew Sutor, and that’s just one of the “important organizational changes” at the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) revealed on Friday following its annual meeting, which also saw eight-year RMLC Chairman Ed Atsinger III pass the baton to Bonneville International Corp. Senior Consultant Mike Dowdle.
Velez commented, “I had postponed my retirement decision until the latest round of licensing deals were completed. With those behind us now, I know that this is the right time to move on. Knowing that I will be succeeded by a very experienced radio industry executive, Andrew Sutor, made my decision that much easier.”
Sutor added, “Given my former capacity as General Counsel of Audacy, I am quite familiar with the RMLC’s operation – its notable successes over the years as well as ongoing challenges. I look forward to managing the organization and working with the new Chairman, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and my RMLC staff colleague, Rebekah Freundt.”
An additional shift in the RMLC organization sees longstanding staffer Rebekah Freundt become Director of Finance and Data Management, reporting to Andrew Sutor.
