All nine Indiana members of the United States House of Representatives have signed the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) opposing “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations.
“This isn’t something that happens automatically,” said IBA Executive Director Dave Arland. “The support of the Local Radio Freedom Act requires careful and diligent work of our members to share the value of local radio with our representatives.”
“I want to especially thank the IBA Board of Directors for keeping the pressure on and garnering the support of Indiana’s full House delegation. It’s an exceptional achievement.”
LRFA now has 220 cosponsors in the House, two more than is needed to constitute a majority in the 438-member body. There are 25 LRFA co-sponsors in the Senate.
“We’re gratified that most House members stand with America’s hometown radio stations against a job-killing performance royalty,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “For decades, local radio has jump-started careers of countless musicians and exposed legacy artists to younger listeners. We thank Congress for its support, and local radio looks forward to continuing to provide unparalleled promotional value to record labels and artists in the form of free airplay of music.”
“Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station broadcast over the air,” reads the Local Radio Freedom Act.
