Local Radio Freedom Act Reintroduced in U.S. Senate

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 4, 2025

U.S. Congress

The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) has been reintroduced in both chambers of Congress, with a new resolution now filed in the Senate. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced the bipartisan resolution (S.Con.Res.8), with 18 additional senators co-sponsoring the effort. This follows a similar resolution (H.Con.Res.12) reintroduced in the House last month by Representatives Steve Womack (R-AR) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), which now has the backing of 129 House members.

The LRFA seeks to reaffirm congressional opposition to any new performance fees, taxes, or royalties on radio stations, countering efforts by the music industry to change federal copyright law. The American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R. 861), reintroduced last month, proposes that broadcast radio stations pay royalties for music use, with fee structures set by the Copyright Royalty Board. While the bill includes reduced fees for smaller operators and non-commercial stations, the LRFA supporters argue that any additional financial burden would force broadcasters to cut back on vital programming.

"For decades, radio stations and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free airplay for free promotion," said Senator Barrasso. "If forced to pay a performance royalty, broadcasters will have to make cuts to important programming to make ends meet."

Senator Hassan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of local radio to communities. "Granite Staters regularly tune in to their local radio station to catch up on the news around the state, listen to music and stories, and get weather and emergency alerts," she said. "We will keep working to ensure that our local radio stations are able to continue providing vital information and entertainment to communities across our country."

The resolution's introduction aligns with the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) annual State Leadership Conference, where local broadcasters are meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for the LRFA and other industry concerns.

Wyoming Association of Broadcasters President Laura Grott praised Senator Barrasso's leadership on the resolution, saying, "We are grateful for the support of our Wyoming Delegation and for Senator Barrasso taking the lead on this important resolution that helps protect our local broadcasters from being imposed an additional fee to record labels and artists when they play their music."

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt also thanked lawmakers for their support. "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," he said. "Their support will help ensure that local radio stations can continue serving our communities for years to come."

With one in five U.S. senators already backing the Senate resolution and growing support in the House, broadcasters hope this legislative effort will help preserve their ability to operate without new financial burdens imposed by the recording industry.