A concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
This bill is a concurrent resolution titled “Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.” It expresses the sense of Congress that no new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge should be imposed for the public performance of sound recordings on local radio stations that broadcast over the air, or on businesses that publicly perform sound recordings in connection with airplay. In other words, it urges that local radio airplay remain free of new charges to the performers or rights holders. The resolution frames airplay as mutually beneficial to the recording industry and local radio, highlights local radio’s role in promoting music, providing news and emergency information, and supporting public service efforts, and argues that imposing new fees would harm thousands of local stations, small businesses, and ultimately consumers. As a concurrent resolution, it states Congress’s position but does not create new law or spend money.
Key Points
- 1Purpose: Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge on the public performance of sound recordings by local radio stations over the air, or on businesses that publicly perform such recordings.
- 2Rationale: Local radio airplay benefits the recording industry and performers by providing publicity and promoting sales of music and related products; airplay and promotional activities are credited with supporting careers and sales.
- 3Public service and economic impact: Local radio stations provide essential news, weather, emergency information, public affairs programming, and public service messaging; a new fee could jeopardize these services and harm thousands of stations and other small businesses (bars, restaurants, retail venues, etc.) that use music.
- 4Historical context: The resolution notes that Congress has previously rejected attempts to require performance fees for local radio, arguing that the current system is productive for broadcasting, music, and the industry.
- 5Legal effect and status: As a concurrent resolution, it expresses a sense of Congress and policy position rather than creating or changing law. It does not authorize funding or impose penalties, but it signals opposition to new performance fees and is referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.