As some members push measures that would require AM/FM radio stations to pay for the songs they play, 219 members of the House have signed onto the Local Radio Freedom Act.
That resolution — introduced by Reps. Michael Conway (R-Texas) and Gene Green (D-Texas) early last year — prohibits "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local AM/FM radio stations.
The Senate companion resolution was introduced last year by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) has 12 other senators backing it.
Though AM/FM radio stations do not currently have to pay artists for songs the stations broadcast, some members of Congress are pushing bills that would require radio stations to pay these “royalty fees.”
Advocates for radio royalty fees say the current system creates an uneven playing field between AM/FM radio stations and other radio stations, such as satellite and Internet radio services.
Opponents say a law requiring radio stations to pay royalty fees would overlook the fact that artists gain exposure through the free advertising that AM/FM radio stations provide.
According to the National Association of Broadcasters, the large number of supporters backing the Local Radio Freedom Act indicates that many in Congress agree that radio royalty fees aren’t needed.
Ted Kalo, executive director of the musicFIRST coalition, said that his group is “confident many of these 'cosponsors' also support” royalty fees for radio stations.
"Signing onto a commemorative resolution, most commonly used to honor sports teams and name post offices, is an empty gesture and hardly a reliable barometer of support,” he said in a statement.
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