Washington, DC - Representative Gene Green (D-TX), joined by Rep. Mike Conoway (R-TX) today introduced the bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act. House Concurrent Resolution 49 (H.Con.Res. 49) that declares Congress’ opposition to any new charges for radio stations that play recorded music.
“Local radio provides Amber Alerts, local news and weather, and as we know all too well along the Gulf Coast emergency alerts,” said Rep. Green. “When we experienced Hurricane Ike in Southeast Texas last September power was out across southeast Texas and battery-powered radios and televisions were our only sources of news and emergency information.”
The resolution expresses its support of these stations and states that these vital services would be threatened if local stations were required to pay new fees. Stations would “suffer severe economic hardship” if a performance fee were imposed.
“Radio has played a huge role in promoting new music and artists at no cost to the record labels. The performance tax being pushed by the record labels is projected to have a huge price tag costing local stations and the community millions of dollars,” Green said.
Radio revenues are predicted to fall during these tough economic times, and a new performance tax would create a further burden on local radio stations that could lead to their end.
“A bipartisan group of more than one 100 Members of Congress joined me in introducing this resolution today,” said Green. “This clearly shows the strong commitment Congress has to protecting local radio and all the benefits it provides to our communities.”
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