Bipartisan House Majority Opposes Performance Tax on Local Radio

A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives - 219 members - have 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. The measure also has 26 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.

The support of the majority of the House reflects a clear understanding of the enduring, essential role of local radio stations in communities across the country, said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. These lawmakers understand that broadcast radio is more than a source of entertainment. It is a trusted community partner, a vital resource in times of crisis and a powerful platform for artists to connect with their fans.

For more than a century, radio has brought music to fans while also serving listeners with news, emergency information, weather and traffic updates. The imposition of new fees on local stations - in addition to what they already pay in copyright and songwriter fees - could severely impact this vital public service.

We are grateful to Representatives Womack and Castor for their leadership in building this strong bipartisan coalition of support for local radio and its listeners. Their efforts, along with Senators Barrasso and Hassan, help ensure that millions of listeners across the country can continue to rely on free, local radio.

Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) are the lead sponsors of this legislation in the House of Representatives. The LRFA also has 26 cosponsors in the Senate, led by Sen. John Barrasso (WY) and Maggie Hassan (NH). 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.

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.