Local Radio Freedom Act Reintroduction Draws Broadcaster Praise, Music Industry Opposition

The reintroduction Tuesday of the Local Radio Freedom Act got renewed praise from NAB and opposition from music industry stakeholders. The resolution, like its previous iterations, opposes new performance fees, royalties, taxes or other charges aimed at local broadcast radio stations. Music licensing stakeholders viewed the resolution as aimed at scuttling attempts to advance the Fair Play Fair Pay Act and other music licensing legislation (see 1504160050 and 1605110059). Reps. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Gene Green, D-Texas, sponsored a House version of the resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 13). Sens. Michael Barasso, R-Wyo., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., filed the Senate version (Senate Concurrent Resolution 6). “America's broadcasters are deeply grateful to the scores of lawmakers who recognize radio’s unparalleled role in promoting music," said NAB President Gordon Smith in a statement. MusicFIRST Coalition Executive Director Chris Israel urged Congress to see H.Con.Res.13/S.Con.Res.6 “for what it is -- a P.R. play by Big Radio -- and instead tackle the injustices affecting our nation’s music creators.” The resolution’s sponsors “are rolling out the exact same non-binding resolution, defending the same government subsidy they have been protecting for decades,” Israel said in a statement.