NAB's Henry Hinton to Testify Against Radio Royalties

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 5:09pm CT

Henry Hinton

NAB Radio Board Director Henry Hinton, president of Inner Banks Media, will testify Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property at a hearing examining how proposed changes to music licensing laws could affect local radio, artists and the public.

The hearing, titled "Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters and Performers in the Digital Age," will take place December 9 at 3pm ET. Hinton, a lifelong broadcaster and longtime host of Talk of the Town, leads a multi-station group serving eastern North Carolina.

In his prepared remarks, Hinton emphasizes radio's long-standing role as a trusted source of local news, emergency alerts and community connection. He warns that the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) -- which would impose a new performance royalty on broadcast radio -- would place heavy financial strain on small and rural stations. Hinton argues the proposed fee would force operators to cut local programming, reduce staff or scale back community service, undermining radio's public mission.

Hinton also stresses the mutually beneficial relationship between radio and the music industry, noting that free airplay continues to drive artist discovery, touring, streaming and long-term fan engagement. His testimony cites radio's unmatched reach and promotional power, which he says would be jeopardized by AMFA.

Lawmakers from both parties have shown significant opposition to imposing new royalties on local stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution opposing any new performance tax on broadcast radio, currently has 216 cosponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate. By comparison, AMFA has drawn far less support -- 12 House cosponsors and six in the Senate.

"NAB's Henry represents the very best of local radio in America," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "As Congress considers changes to music licensing law, radio's ability to connect artists to fans and drive music discovery should be strengthened, not undermined."

Hinton will appear alongside SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe and recording artist Gene Simmons of KISS. His full written testimony was submitted to the committee.