Eric Rhoads' Blog
More Lawmakers Sign On Against Radio Royalties
WASHINGTON -- June 24, 2009: With five more members of Congress now on board, the Local Radio Freedom Act has the support of 237 members of the House -- 10 more backers than the resolution picked up last time it was introduced, in 2008.
"NAB salutes these members of Congress for recognizing the important role played by radio stations across America," said NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. "From promoting music to providing airtime for important public service initiatives, radio broadcasters reach an unparalleled audience of 235 million listeners every week. While the growing bipartisan opposition to RIAA's performance tax campaign is certainly welcome news, we are encouraging radio broadcasters to remain steadfast and continue educating lawmakers on this important issue."
The Local Radio Freedom Act states that there should be no "performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on radio for playing music. It's in opposition to the Performance Rights Act, and, although the LRFA is non-binding and no one who co-sponsors it is obligated to vote against the pro-royalties bill, the support the resolution is gaining may keep the PRA from coming to a vote in the full House any time soon.
The Performance Rights Act has already been approved by the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by bill co-sponsor John Conyers (D-MI). No hearings have yet been held on the Senate version.
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(6/25/2009 11:40:26 AM) "...although the LRFA is non-binding and no one who co-sponsors it is obligated to vote against the pro-royalties bill..." A word of caution to the NAB: You know these guys, so it's best not to drop the soap when they're around. |
| - Dave |
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