A push from musical acts for a performance tax on local radio stations has received pushback from a bipartisan coalition of Senators, much to the delight of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
On Tuesday, a resolution called the Local Radio Freedom Act was reintroduced to Congress by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The resolution opposes “any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge” against local radio stations. 20 of the 100 sitting Senators have co-sponsored the resolution.
“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.”
Additionally, the Local Radio Freedom Act also has widespread support in the House of Representatives. In total, it received 125 co-sponsors when it was introduced at the beginning of February. It was introduced by Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR) and Kathy Castor (D-FL). Between both legislative branches, the bill has more than 250 supporters.
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