HelpSaveRadio.org Unveiled to Oppose Airplay Tax
Greater Media has unveiled a new web site to coordinate opposition to the proposed Performance Rights Act, which aims to levy royalties on local radio for airplay. Listeners and advertisers are encouraged to log on at helpsaveradio.org to learn more about the proposed legislation, sign an on-line petition, and find their congressional representatives by zip code.
In addition to launching the web site, Greater Media is reaching out to its stations' local databases and running on-air promotional announcements, inviting radio supporters to sign the petition opposing the Performance Rights Act on local radio (H.R. 848 and S. 379), which will be distributed to members of Congress.
"The proposed performance royalty bill could be potentially devastating to all of us who work in radio and all those who depend on radio for financial and community support," said Greater Media Chairman/CEO Peter H. Smyth. Smyth added that a performance tax "would violate the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship in which radio stations provide broad exposure and promotional impact to artists in exchange for music content."
