Benton Times

Congressman Steve Womack and Congresswoman Kathy Castor have reintroduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution that seeks to reaffirm congressional support for local radio stations across the United States. The legislation has garnered support from over 100 original cosponsors.

"Local radio is integral to my life, as it is for many of those in Arkansas and across America," said Congressman Womack. He emphasized the importance of local radio as a source of free access to sports, news, and entertainment, as well as its role during disasters. The act opposes charges that could threaten these local businesses.

Congresswoman Castor highlighted the significance of radio in Florida, especially during storms and crises through the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. "The radio is a top, trusted choice for receiving local news, weather alerts, traffic updates, community opportunities, and so much more," she stated. She expressed pride in sponsoring the act which opposes new fees or taxes on free broadcast radio.

Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), expressed gratitude towards Reps. Womack and Castor for their efforts to maintain local radio as a source of trusted information. He warned against imposing new performance fees on top of existing copyright and streaming fees which could hinder essential services provided by local stations.

The global recording industry has been advocating for Congress to impose a new performance fee on American local radio stations without engaging with broadcasters on mutually beneficial solutions. The proposed legislation would apply this fee universally to all stations, posing risks to local communities.

The resolution declares that Congress should avoid imposing any new economic burdens such as performance fees or taxes that could harm locally owned radio stations.