The Local Radio Freedom Act has officially received enough support to ensure that no new fees or payments will be required of broadcasters in the near future.
224 members of the House now support broadcast radio stations from being hit with any new performance fees, taxes, or royalties.
Reps. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Susan Wild (D-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Scott Perry (R-PA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Eric Burlinson (R-MO), and James Baird (R-IN) joined support for the bill, according to Inside Radio.
“This milestone demonstrates policymakers’ recognition of the vital service that free, local radio provides to their constituents: a lifeline in times of crisis and a connection to the community that cannot be replicated,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “We thank these 225 members of the House for their unwavering support, helping to safeguard the future of local broadcasting and our commitment to serving the public.”
The music industry was hoping to earn performance royalties from AM/FM airplay before legislation was introduced. However, that push for extra revenue from the broadcast industry isn’t expected to subside with the eventual passage of this bill.
