NAB Opposes ReTrans Consent Bill

In response to the introduction of legislation Thursday by Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) that would block a broadcast television station from receiving retransmission consent payments if its parent company also owns a radio station that does not pay a performance royalty, the following statement was released by NAB Executive VP/Communications Dennis Wharton:

Dennis Wharton

"NAB respectfully opposes the legislation introduced today by Reps. Blackburn and Eshoo. This bill devalues the indispensable role that hometown broadcasters play in communities across America. We thank the 166 Representatives and 13 Senators who have co-sponsored the Local Radio Freedom Act and look forward to gaining more support for a resolution that recognizes the enormous promotional value radio airplay provides record labels and musicians."

The Blackburn/Eshoo bill would also bar federally mandated FM chips in cellphones.

NAB has said repeatedly that our organization does not support mandated FM chips in cellphones. However, we believe wireless carriers should voluntarily activate FM chips that are already in these phones. "For public safety reasons alone, FM chips already in cellphones should be turned on," said Wharton.

NAB noted that FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has praised the lifeline role played by local broadcasters in times of crisis, and encouraged wireless carriers to activate FM chips in cellphones.

Meanwhile, musicFIRST COALITION Exec. Dir. TED KALO issued the following statement:

“The ‘Fair Play Fair Pay Act’ and the ‘Protecting the Rights of Musicians Act’ both show that Congress is waking up to the Broadcasters’ games. How can they justify demanding billion dollar payments for their TV programming when they refuse to pay a cent for music on the radio musicFIRST applauds Representatives Blackburn and Eshoo for introducing this legislation.”

Additional information from musicFIRST on this important legislation can be found here.