Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) in introducing the Local Radio Freedom Act.
This bipartisan resolution states Congress should not impose new taxes or fees on locally owned radio stations and highlights their vital role for families, small businesses, and communities.
“Local radio keeps every corner of the Cowboy State informed, entertained, and safe,” said Lummis. “If broadcasters are forced to pay additional taxes and fees, vital programs get put on the chopping block. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for rural Americans who rely on local programming.”
“People across Wyoming depend on local radio stations for timely information, news, and programming that impact their daily lives,” said Barrasso. “For decades, radio stations and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free airplay for free promotion. If forced to pay a performance royalty, broadcasters will have to make cuts to important programming to make ends meet. I’m proud to join Senator Hassan in introducing our bipartisan resolution to block any new performance tax on broadcasters in Wyoming and across the country.”
“Granite Staters regularly tune in to their local radio station to catch up on the news around the state, listen to music and stories, and get weather and emergency alerts,” said Hassan. “I am glad to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting listeners and broadcasters alike. We will keep working to ensure that our local radio stations are able to continue providing vital information and entertainment to communities across our country.”
Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (W.Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
This legislation is supported by the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters and iHeartMedia.
“We are grateful for the support of our Wyoming Delegation and to Senator Barrasso for taking the lead on this important resolution that helps protect our local broadcasters from being imposed an additional fee to record labels and artists when they play their music.” – Laura Grott, President of Wyoming Association of Broadcasters
“For over a century, local radio stations have provided communities with trusted news, critical emergency information and the music and entertainment audiences rely on every day, free of charge. NAB thanks Sens. Barrasso and Hassan, and the over 140 members of the Congress who have already signed onto this resolution for recognizing the vital role of local radio across the country. Their support will help ensure that local radio stations can continue serving our communities for years to come.” – Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President and CEO
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
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