NAB and members of state broadcast associations are lobbying Capitol Hill this week. Among other things, the broadcast lobbying organization is reminding lawmakers of broadcasters’ public service efforts, including recognizing stations’ role as first informers before, during and after a crisis.
As part of the events, several lawmakers and some regulators addressed attendees today at NAB’s State Leadership Conference.
“Your stations can, and often do, save lives,” Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told broadcasters, according to a tweet from NAB.
On radio’s effort to persuade wireless carriers to embed FM chips in phones or activate existing chips, the broadcast organization also quoted FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as saying she hopes consumers see the utility of it and that manufacturers respond.
At the same time, we’ve reported the battle over performance rights is spilling over into this session of Congress.
MusicFirst released an advertisement published in “Politico” opposing the “Local Radio Freedom Act.” The recently reintroduced nonbinding resolution opposes a performance tax on broadcast radio.
MusicFirst, supported in part by the recording lobby, says the ad points out that satellite, Internet and cable radio all pay performers whenever a song is played, however AM/FM does not. Broadcasters say the performance rights supporters discount the free promotion, including events and airplay, that radio provides artists and that broadcasters do pay music licensing fees to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.
