House Majority Backs Local Radio Freedom Act

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:01am CT

U.S. Congress

A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has signed on to the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), a resolution opposing any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge on local broadcast radio stations. According to supporters, 219 House members have now endorsed the measure, along with 26 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.

The resolution reaffirms congressional opposition to imposing additional fees on local radio broadcasters beyond existing copyright and songwriter payments.

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the level of House support reflects lawmakers' recognition of radio's role in local communities, noting that stations provide news, emergency information, weather updates, and a platform for artists to reach audiences.

Advocates argue that new performance fees could place a financial burden on local stations and limit their ability to deliver essential public service programming, particularly during emergencies.

The LRFA is led in the House by Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), with Senate sponsorship from Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Similar resolutions in previous Congresses have also drawn broad bipartisan support, including more than 250 House and Senate members during the last session.