George Strait Says Don't Take Radio For Granted

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Country music superstar George Strait has added his name to the growing chorus of musicians who have expressed appreciation for the promotional power of free radio airplay. Strait's praise for local radio came in an interview in the April 3 edition of Radio & Records.

"You can't take being played on the radio for granted," Strait said. "There are only so many spots and many great singers out there wanting one. It's a jungle out there."

Commenting on Strait's statement, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton said, "George Strait is the latest in a long line of recording artists who can't thank radio enough for helping sell records. The straight truth is this: the record labels' proposed performance tax would cause economic harm to local radio stations across America, resulting in less music and fewer artists being exposed to listeners."

Strait's statement comes as RIAA continues to press Congress to pass legislation that would require local radio stations to pay royalties for local airplay. Countering the RIAA-backed legislation is the Local Radio Freedom Act, which opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local radio stations. Earlier this week, NAB launched NoPerformanceTax.org, aimed at thwarting the label-led effort.