Amid the longest federal government shutdown in history, lawmakers have united in support of local radio. The Local Radio Freedom Act has added ten new co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, surpassing 200 total.
The bipartisan group opposes any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or charge on local radio stations.
Led in the House by Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), the latest co-sponsors are Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Del. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Rep. Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Rep. Patrick Ryan (D-NY).
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| NAB's Curtis LeGeyt |
The National Association of Broadcasters welcomed the achievement.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt stated, “This strong bipartisan milestone reflects what communities across America already know: local radio is essential. Even with Congress at a standstill, lawmakers are hearing loud and clear from their constituents that local stations matter. From lifesaving emergency alerts to local news, music, and sports, free broadcast radio remains a trusted source of connection for Americans.”
“Imposing a new performance fee would jeopardize this vital medium and harm the very listeners and artists radio supports. NAB thanks Reps. Womack and Castor for their continued leadership in standing up for local radio listeners.”