A bipartisan resolution recognizing the promotional value of free radio airplay was introduced in the U.S. Senate on May 12. The resolution, introduced by Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), has gained the support of Sens. Wayne Allard (R-CO), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Nelson (D-NE) and James Webb (D-VA). Similar legislation was introduced last year in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX-29) and Mike Conaway (R-TX-11). The House resolution has support from more than 200 lawmakers.

"Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings," reads S. Con. Res. 82.

Commenting on the resolution's introduction, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton said, "NAB salutes Sens. Lincoln and Wicker and their Senate colleagues for formally recognizing radio airplay's enormous value to both record labels and recording artists. The undeniable fact is that radio airplay is a musician's greatest promotional tool and generates millions of dollars in revenue annually for RIAA-member companies and performers."