Tuesday, October 1, 2013

NAB Favors Free Market Negotiations

In response to Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) introducing legislation today that would negatively impact local radio stations across America, NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton issued the following statement: 
"NAB respectfully opposes the legislation, and appreciates the support of 183 members of Congress who stand with America's hometown radio stations against the offshore record labels. 
"NAB believes market-based negotiations like the recent Warner Music-Clear Channel accord demonstrate that this issue is already being addressed in the free market. This legislation would impose new costs on broadcasters that jeopardize the future of our free over-the-air service."
NAB also announced that five additional Members of Congress have signed on as cosponsors of a resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act is now currently co-sponsored by 171 Members of the House and 12 Senators.

Meanwhile, Ted Kalo, executive director of the MusicFIRST Coalition, a lobbying org of labels and artists, said that Watt's bill “sends all parties back to the bargaining table to find common ground.”

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