Some pundits may think David Rehr’s departure is a sign that broadcasters will lose the performance royalty fight on the Hill; but the National Association of Broadcasters says its support continues to increase.
It released its latest head count of legislators who will oppose a performance royalty.
It says 192 lawmakers have expressed support for its position on the contentious issue, on which broadcasters are lined up in opposition to record labels and performers. The latest are Reps. Elton Gallegly, Ruben Hinojosa, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Timothy Walz, Tom Perriello, Brad Miller, Russ Carnahan, Ken Calvert and Earl Pomeroy.
NAB says these representatives support H. Con. Res. 49, the “Local Radio Freedom Act” introduced by Reps. Gene Green and Mike Conaway. A similar bill is in the Senate.
NAB also noted that country singer Carrie Underwood took out a full-page ad in a country music publication thanking radio stations for helping advance her career.
