While much of the radio industry has been focused on the AM for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 3413), the issue of imposing performance fees on radio stations is still active. We are pleased to report that Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY-22 Syracuse) has become the latest cosponsor of the Local Radio Freedom Act. This Congressional resolution opposes the imposition of a performance fee on traditional over-the-air radio broadcasts.
To date, 206 members of the House of Representatives have signed on to the Local Radio Freedom Act, and 24 Senators have signed on. You need 218 House votes to pass a bill.
The following members of the New York Congressional delegation have signed on to the resolution:
Rep. D'Esposito, Anthony [R-NY-4]
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
Rep. Molinaro, Marcus J. [R-NY-19]
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Rep. Williams, Brandon [R-NY-22]
Legislation that would impose a new performance tax on radio stations has also been introduced. The so-called “American Music Fairness Act” (HR 791) has garnered only 4 votes in the House, including Congressman Jerry Nadler. Companion legislation in the Senate (S.253) has received only 3 votes.
You can see a text of the Local Radio Freedom Act here.