Local Radio Freedom Act Adds 5 More House Co-Sponsors, Gets A Majority

Majority

Five more members of Congress have joined as cosponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act, the bill that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations."  The bill now has 220 cosponsors in the House, two more than a majority, and 25 in the Senate.

Signing on to co-sponsor the bill are Reps.ELIZABETH ESTY (D-CT), TOM GARRETT (R-VA), JOSH GOTTHEIMER (D-NJ), GREGORY MEEKS (D-NY), and DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER (D-MD).  Reps. MICHAEL CONAWAY (R-TX) and GENE GREEN (D-TX) are the original sponsors in the House, and Sens. JOHN BARRASSO (R-WY) and HEIDI HEITKAMP (D-ND) are the original Senate sponsors.

The bill reads, "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 the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station broadcast over the air."

"We’re gratified that most House members stand with AMERICA’s hometown radio stations against a job-killing performance royalty,” said NAB President and CEO GORDON SMITH. “For decades, local radio has jump-started careers of countless musicians and exposed legacy artists to younger listeners. We thank Congress for its support, and local radio looks forward to continuing to provide unparalleled promotional value to record labels and artists in the form of free airplay of music.”

But musicFIRST Executive Director CHRIS ISRAEL wasn't quite as impressed, issuing a statement saying, "“The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS is celebrating its ability to get 218 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to sign onto a meaningless, non-binding resolution. They shouldn’t be. While the NAB was dedicating months and spending millions accumulating names on a motion that will never become law, the innovative music marketplace continues to change for its members, and not for the better.

“Radio has more competition than ever for the ear of the listener (and the budget of the advertiser). Music streaming services, smart phones, connected cars and home speakers are revolutionizing the way consumers listen to music. Younger audiences are increasingly tuning out FM in favor of formats that allow them to customize and interact. Paid music services are realizing tremendous growth while internet connected cars are beginning to cut into radio’s last stronghold, the dashboard.

“We look forward to working with the radio industry to build a stronger future where artists can be compensated and radio can grow. We think it would be beneficial to focus less on lobbying in D.C. and more on how radio can provide music fans the access and innovation they want now and in the future.” 

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