NAB ANNOUNCES WINNER OF
'DON'T TAX THAT DIAL' RADIO COMPETITION

WASHINGTON, DC -- NAB announced today that Andy Berkowitz, production director for WWOT-FM Altoona, PA, is the winner of the "Don't Tax That Dial" competition. Titled "Silence 97," the winning entry was one of numerous 30-second spots submitted for the competition. The spot will be debuted at the 2009 NAB Radio Show during NAB Radio Board Chair Charles Warfield's opening remarks at the "Digital Think Tank" super session on Wednesday, September 23, at 2:30 p.m.

The radio spots were judged on creativity, accuracy and message effectiveness. In Berkowitz's winning entry, a fictitious caller resigns herself to dedicating on-air "silence" to her boyfriend after the radio DJ rejects her song-request.

Today's announcement comes as the Recording Industry Association of America continues to push for legislation that would impose a new licensing fee, or "performance tax," on local radio stations for every song aired free to listeners. The "Don't Tax That Dial" competition calls on the creative skills of radio broadcasters to help inform listeners of the detrimental impact the legislation would have on local radio stations and listeners.

"NAB has received an impressive number of imaginative entries through the course of this competition," said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David. "We are extremely pleased that the 'Don't Tax That Dial' competition has resonated so well with America's radio stations, and we look forward to recognizing Andy for his outstanding entry during the upcoming NAB Radio Show."

Berkowitz will be awarded $2,500 for his winning entry, in addition to travel, two nights hotel stay and registration for two to attend the 2009 NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia. His radio spot will also be posted on the NoPerformanceTax.org Web site beginning September 24.

The competition, launched in May, was designed to increase awareness of the damaging effects a performance tax would have on local radio stations across America. Countering the performance tax is the Local Radio Freedom Act, a Congressional resolution co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 247 House lawmakers and 24 U.S. Senators who oppose "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station."

About The NAB Radio Show
The NAB Radio Show is the largest annual convention for radio. This year's show, Sep. 23-25 in Philadelphia, delivers a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity for station professionals representing all format and market sizes.

Online registration is now available for news media reporters interested in covering the NAB Radio Show. Click here for additional information.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

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