WASHINGTON, DC -- A bipartisan resolution recognizing the promotional value of free radio airplay was introduced this afternoon in the U.S. Senate. The resolution, introduced by Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), has gained the support of Sens. Wayne Allard (R-CO), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Nelson (D-NE) and James Webb (D-VA). Similar legislation was introduced last year in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX) and Mike Conaway (R-TX). The House resolution has support from more than 200 lawmakers.
"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 S. Con. Res. 82.
Commenting on the resolution's introduction, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton said, "NAB salutes Sens. Lincoln and Wicker and their Senate colleagues for formally recognizing radio airplay's enormous value to both record labels and recording artists. The undeniable fact is that radio airplay is a musician's greatest promotional tool and generates millions of dollars in revenue annually for RIAA-member companies and performers."
On numerous occasions, both record label executives and artists have recognized the promotional value of free radio airplay. Such statements include:
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"I have to thank... every DJ, every radio guy, every promotions guy, everybody who ever put up a poster for me and spread the word." -- Alicia Keys, recording artist and Grammy winner, 2008 Grammy Awards, February 2008 "[R]adio
remains the best way to get new music into the listeners' lives." "Obviously, radio is probably the most important thing for a new rock band coming out. If you don't get yourself on the radio, then you won't draw bodies at the clubs and you won't sell records." -- 'Another Animal' drummer Shannon Larkin, Drum Magazine, 2008 "Country radio, thank you so much for being our mouthpiece. You know what we do means nothing if it never gets played, and no one gets to hear it." -- 'Rascal
Flatts,' Vocal Group of the Year, Country Music Awards, 2007 --
Taylor Swift, Horizon Award (for best new artist), Country Music Awards,
2007 "I have yet to see the big reaction you want to see to a hit until it goes on the radio. I'm a big, big fan of radio." --Richard Palmese, Executive Vice President of Promotion, RCA, 2007 "Radio has proven itself time and time again to be the biggest vehicle to expose new music." -- Ken Lane, Senior Vice President for Promotion, Island Def Jam Music Group, 2005 "It is clearly the number one way that we're getting our music exposed. Nothing else affects retail sales the way terrestrial radio does." --Tom Biery, Senior Vice President for Promotion, Warner Bros. Records, 2005 "That's the most important thing for a label, getting your records played." -- Eddie Daye, recording artist, 2003 "Radio helped me a lot. That's the audience. I can't see them, but I know they're there. I can't reach out and touch them with my hand, but I know they're there." -- B.B. King, recording artist, 2002 "If a song's not on the radio, it'll never sell." -- Mark Wright, Senior Vice President, MCA Records, 2001 "Air play is king. They play the record, it sells. If they don't, it's dead in the water." -- Jim Mazza, President, Dreamcatcher Entertainment, 1999 "I am so grateful to radio. Their support has truly changed my life, and I hope they know how appreciative I am for that." -- Jo Dee Messina, recording artist, 1999 |
About
NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and
television stations, NAB advances their 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.
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