WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local radio stations. Twenty bipartisan senators have already cosponsored the resolution, signaling strong support for local radio stations in the new Congress.
“For over a century, local radio stations have provided communities with trusted news, critical emergency information and the music and entertainment audiences rely on every day, free of charge,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “NAB thanks Sens. Barrasso and Hassan, and the over 145 members of the House and Senate who have already signed onto this resolution for recognizing the vital role of local radio across the country. Their support will help ensure that local radio stations can continue serving our communities for years to come.”
“People across Wyoming depend on local radio stations for timely information, news, and programming that impact their daily lives,” said Senator Barrasso. “For decades, radio stations and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free airplay for free promotion. If forced to pay a performance royalty, broadcasters will have to make cuts to important programming to make ends meet. I’m proud to join Senator Hassan in introducing our bipartisan resolution to block any new performance tax on broadcasters in Wyoming and across the country.”
Background
The Local Radio Freedom Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the beginning of February by Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), and the resolution currently has over 125 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. 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.
###