Resolution Introduced Opposing Local Radio Royality Fees

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, February 6, 2023 | 3:15pm CT

U.S. Congress

A bipartisan coalition of 119 members of the House of Representatives introduced a resolution in Congress Monday opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) signals policymakers' opposition to any potential legislation that would impose new performance fees on broadcast radio stations for music airplay.

"NAB applauds these 119 original co-sponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act for supporting local radio listeners and stations in their districts. Broadcast radio provides a unique and irreplaceable service to listeners free of charge," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "While foreign record labels seek to line their pockets at the expense of local radio, listeners and artists, we appreciate the lawmakers standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their local radio stations in firm opposition to a new performance fee."

Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) are the LRFA leads in the House. Similar resolutions were introduced in previous Congresses and garnered widespread, bipartisan support, including more than 250 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives and Senate in the last Congress.

"As a former broadcaster, I understand the important role local radio plays in the lives of Arkansans and Americans," said Rep. Womack. "From round-the-clock news to entertainment, listeners and communities rely on broadcasts for a variety of needs. But rising fees are making it increasingly impossible to afford operations. It's essential Congress work to protect the viability of these small businesses. My introduction of the Local Radio Freedom Act is fundamentally about ensuring people have stations to tune into when they move their dial."

"I am proud to support our local radio stations that provide vital programming and essential services across the Tampa Bay area and the country, particularly during natural disasters and emergencies," added Rep. Castor. "The Local Radio Freedom Act reaffirms Congress's support for local radio stations and opposes new fees or taxes on local, free, broadcast radio which could jeopardize those very services upon which so many rely. Many communities have suffered the loss of local newspapers and we cannot let that happen to local radio we depend on."