Legislative and Regulatory Issues in Radio

The Performance Rights Act Puts Local Jobs at Risk

During the past two Congresses, some members of Congress, at the behest of the big record labels, introduced a bill to impose a performance tax on local radio broadcasters. The Performance Rights Act would have imposed a devastating new fee on local stations simply for airing music on the radio – airing the music that provides free promotion to the labels and artists. A new performance fee could financially cripple local radio stations putting jobs at risk, stifle new artists trying to break into the recording business and harm the listening public who rely on local radio.
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Equipping Mobile Phones with Broadcast Radio Capability for Emergency Preparedness

NAB continues to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress and the cellular industry to promote the inclusion of radio receivers in mobile handsets for the benefit of mobile phone subscribers. For little cost, manufacturers can include a receiver for broadcast radio in mobile phones. This would give consumers a convenient new way to access free radio service, and more importantly, improve public safety by ensuring that broadcasters' Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and critical information reach the widest possible audience.
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Opposing Unnecessary Marketing and Advertising Restrictions

Advertising revenue is critical to local TV and radio stations that rely on those dollars to serve local communities with vital news and information and high quality entertainment. As Congress considers initiatives that impact advertising, including restrictions on food marketing and a moratorium on television commercials for new medicines, it should avoid legislation that threatens free speech and increases federal agencies' authority to excessively restrict advertising on which local stations rely.
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Reforming Media Ownership Rules to Reflect the Competitive Marketplace

Local radio and television stations believe localism is best sustained by permitting broadcasters to compete effectively in the digital multichannel marketplace. Allowing stations to compete in the marketplace by reforming unnecessary restrictions would help them maintain economic vibrancy and the ability to serve their local communities in an ever-changing and competitive media landscape. Out-of-date restrictions on ownership of broadcast outlets that do not reflect current competitive realities in the digital age should be modernized.
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