The promotional value of free radio airplay received yet another endorsement this week when two of Country Music's biggest stars offered up some career advice to contestants of NBC's "Nashville Star" music competition.

"I love a strong radio hit. All of us. That's what our job is, to have a radio hit. Without radio, we couldn't do what we do, but the job is to have a radio hit that sounds unique, and like you," said "Nashville Star" judge Jewel, a Grammy-nominated artist who has sold more than 27 million albums.

Backing up Jewel's advice were comments made by fellow judge John Rich, who makes up half of the famed Country duo "Big and Rich."

"Alright, let's talk about the nuts and bolts," Rich told another contestant. "If you win 'Nashville Star', you have to get on 200 major market radio stations. You have to."

The artists' testimonials for the promotional power of free radio airplay come at a time when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a trade group that represents the major record label conglomerates, is seeking legislation to charge America's hometown radio stations for playing music.

Countering the RIAA-backed legislation is the Local Radio Freedom Act, which has been co-sponsored by a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives who oppose an RIAA tax on local radio stations. To date, 222 House members and 13 Senators are on record in opposition to the label-led effort.