BIPARTISAN COALITION BACKS LOCAL RADIO RESOLUTION

BIPARTISAN COALITION VOICES SUPPORT FOR PRO-LOCAL RADIO RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON, DC — Ninety-four Members of the House of Representatives signed on as original co-sponsors of a bipartisan resolution that opposes “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations that was introduced in Congress yesterday. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) signals Members of Congress’s opposition to any potential legislation that would impose new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay.

Reps. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Gene Green (D-TX) are the principal sponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 17) in the House of Representatives. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) are the principal sponsors of the companion resolution (S. Con. Res. 4) in the Senate that was introduced yesterday.

“Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings,” reads the Local Radio Freedom Act.

The 94 House cosponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act include:

The following quote can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith regarding the resolution:

“For decades, local radio airplay has jumpstarted and sustained the careers of countless musicians and record label moguls. Local radio’s unparalleled promotional value drives increased record and merchandise sales and sells out concert venues. NAB applauds lawmakers for standing with hometown broadcasters in opposing a job-killing performance royalty that would damage the No. 1 platform for exposing new music.”

About NABThe National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.