4-29-14
The NAB announced Tuesday that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives is now co-sponsoring a resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local radio stations. Four more Representatives added their names in support of the Local Radio Freedom Act, bringing the number of co-sponsors to 219 Members of the House and 14 Senators.
The members of the bipartisan group adding their support to the Local Radio Freedom Act are Democratic Reps William Keating (MA-9) and Stephen Lynch (MA-8) and Republican Reps. John Culbertson (TX-7) and David McKinley (WV-1).
"We applaud all the co-sponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act for voicing their strong support for America's hometown radio stations," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "A job-killing performance tax would be devastating to free and local radio, which has an overall economic impact of over $513 billion in gross domestic product and generates more than one million jobs annually. This resolution reaffirms Congress' appreciation for the public service and economic benefits radio broadcasters provide to every community, while recognizing the mutually beneficial relationship between radio and performing artists."
