WASHINGTON – NAB Radio Board Director Henry Hinton, president of Inner Banks Media, will testify on behalf of America’s free, local over-the-air radio stations before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. ET., at a hearing titled “Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters and Performers in the Digital Age,” focused on the impact of proposed changes to music licensing law on local radio stations, artists and the public. A lifelong broadcaster and longtime host of the local radio program “Talk of the Town,” Hinton leads a multi-station local broadcast group in eastern North Carolina.
In his prepared testimony, Hinton underscores radio’s enduring role as a trusted source of local news, emergency information and community connection, while detailing how the proposed performance royalty imposed by the American Music Fairness Act would place severe financial strain on local stations, particularly those serving rural and small-market communities. His testimony also highlights the longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship between radio and the music industry, in which free airplay drives discovery, touring, streaming and long-term artist success.
There is strong bipartisan support in Congress for opposing any new performance tax on local radio, as reflected in the Local Radio Freedom Act, which currently has 216 cosponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate. By contrast, the American Music Fairness Act has drawn significantly less support, with 12 cosponsors in the House and six in the Senate.
“Henry represents the very best of local radio in America,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “He is a lifelong broadcaster, a community leader and a trusted voice for his listeners, especially in times of emergency. As Congress considers changes to music licensing law, radio’s ability to connect artists to fans and drive music discovery should be strengthened, not undermined.”
Hinton will appear on a witness panel that also includes SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe and recording artist Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS.
Click here to read Hinton’s testimony in its entirety.
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 nab.org.
###