Barrasso, Hassan Introduce the Bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) led their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act.

The Local Radio Freedom Act is a bipartisan resolution that underscores the critical importance of locally owned radio stations to families, small businesses, and our communities. It also declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges for locally-owned radio stations.

"People across Wyoming depend on local radio stations for timely information, news, and programming that have a direct impact on their lives," said Senator Barrasso. "For 100 years, radio stations and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free airplay for free promotion. If forced to pay a performance royalty, broadcasters will have to make cuts to important programming in order to make ends meet. I'm proud to join Senator Hassan in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation to block any new performance tax on broadcasters across the country."

"Granite Staters regularly tune in to their local radio station to catch up on the news around the state, listen to music and stories, and get weather and emergency alerts," said Senator Hassan. "I am glad to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting listeners and broadcasters alike. We will keep working to ensure that our local radio stations are able to continue providing vital information and entertainment to communities across our country."

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