WASHINGTON, D.C. — State broadcasters associations representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have adopted two resolutions designed to protect local radio from new royalty payments and to ensure broadcast stations remain easily accessible from the in-dash entertainment system of all U.S. vehicles.
The first resolution urges members of Congress to support the non-binding resolution dubbed the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA). A highly successful pledge introduced in previous Congressional sessions, the resolution is a promise to oppose any new performance fee on local radio stations. This is central to the goal of the American Music Fairness Act, legislation supported by musicFIRST and recording industry lobbyists being championed by Sen. Marsha Blackburn on Capitol Hill.
The second resolution calls on legislators to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which has gained steam since being reintroduced in the current Congress but still awaits a floor vote, which would establish a government mandate on keeping kHz-band radio access free and easy to turn on in all vehicles manufactured in the U.S. Supporters say this is essential as a safety feature. Examples of how AM radio has been the lone link to the outside world as a form of communication include the devastating floods of autumn 2024 in western North Carolina; traffic conditions and inclement weather across the Great Lakes Region; and simply keeping track of the day’s events while at Yosemite National Park, where Sirius XM reception is spotty due to the unique topography of an area with limited mobile data connectivity and slow broadband internet.
The two resolutions come following the recent State Leadership Conference in Washington, where more than 560 local TV and radio broadcasters gathered to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. “State broadcaster associations play a pivotal role in our advocacy efforts, and I am proud to see the collective unity behind these resolutions,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
