NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt Testifies Before Congress

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 25, 2024

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt delivered a robust defense of free, local radio during his testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet on Wednesday, June 26. His remarks centered on the crucial role of broadcast radio and the potential negative impacts of the proposed American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) and how it would harm the public good and fail artists.

Broadcast Radio: A Pillar of Local Communities

LeGeyt emphasized radio's vital role in American life, from providing emergency information during crises like wildfires and hurricanes to promoting music and culture. He highlighted the endurance of radio amidst a rapidly changing media landscape, noting its unparalleled reach-nearly 228 million U.S. listeners monthly-and its significance in promoting artists and music discovery.

Opposition to the AMFA

A central theme of LeGeyt's testimony was his opposition to the AMFA, which seeks to impose a new performance royalty on local radio stations. He argued that such a royalty would be economically damaging, potentially forcing stations to cut back on local content, reduce music airtime, or even shut down, thereby harming the communities they serve. LeGeyt stressed that radio's free service model, which contrasts sharply with subscription-based platforms, plays a critical role in maintaining public access to information, especially for underserved communities.

Economic Implications and Industry Dynamics

LeGeyt presented stark contrasts between the flourishing U.S. music industry, which has seen continuous revenue growth, and the struggling radio sector, whose ad revenues have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. He underscored the unfair burden that the AMFA would impose on radio stations, which already contend with significant operational costs and competitive pressures from digital platforms.

The Future of Radio and Music Licensing

In conclusion, LeGeyt called for a balanced approach to music licensing that recognizes the mutual benefits of radio play for both artists and broadcasters. He advocated for policies that support the dual goals of promoting artists' work and ensuring radio's ability to operate as a free, local service.

LeGeyt's testimony comes at a critical juncture for the broadcasting industry as it navigates technological changes and debates over copyright policies. His remarks underscore the ongoing importance of broadcast radio in the American cultural and information ecosystem, and the potential risks of legislative changes that might compromise its accessibility and service to the public.

225 members of the U.S. House are supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act, which opposes a new performance tax on hometown radio stations.