A resolution from broadcaster associations representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and The District of Columbia has been signed in support of the Local Radio Freedom Act. The LRFA opposes “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations.
The resolution reads in part:
“Whereas legislation to impose a performance fee on local radio stations for simply playing music on the radio would upset the mutually beneficial relationship between local radio and the recording industry;”
“Whereas local radio stations already contribute as much as $2.4 billion in promotional value annually to the record labels and their performers by allowing them to reach the 272 million listeners per week that are served by local radio;”
“Whereas nearly 1 million American jobs are affected by the radio industry and many would be jeopardized if any new performance fee is imposed, as will many other small businesses that play music, including bars, restaurants, retail establishments, sports and other entertainment venues, shopping centers and transportation facilities;”
“Whereas a performance fee is not justified when the current system has produced the most prolific and innovative broadcasting, music and sound recording industries in the world;”
Local broadcasters from across the country will be advocating on Capitol Hill this week on issues affecting the broadcast radio and television industries, including any performance royalty on local radio stations, as part of NAB’s State Leadership Conference.
The full resolution can be found Here.
