Bipartisan coalition of House members oppose new performance royalties on local radio stations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 200 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signaled strong support for local radio stations by cosponsoring the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), a resolution opposing “any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge” on local radio stations.
“This strong bipartisan milestone reflects what communities across America already know: local radio is essential,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Even with Congress at a standstill, lawmakers are hearing loud and clear from their constituents that local stations matter. From lifesaving emergency alerts to local news, music and sports, free broadcast radio remains a trusted source of connection for Americans. Imposing a new performance fee would jeopardize this important medium and hurt the very listeners and artists radio supports. NAB thanks Reps. Womack and Castor for their continued leadership in standing up for local radio listeners.”
Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) are the lead sponsors of this legislation. The LRFA also has 26 cosponsors in the Senate. Similar resolutions were introduced in previous Congresses and garnered widespread, bipartisan support, including more than 250 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives and Senate in the last Congress.
The 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 nab.org.
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