Press Releases

Washington, DC—February 13, 2025…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) reintroduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution to reaffirm Congress’ longstanding support for local radio stations that serve communities across the country. The legislation has more than 100 original cosponsors.

Congressman Womack said, “Local radio is integral to my life, as it is for many of those in Arkansas and across America. It’s the heartbeat for communities, allowing free access to local sports, news, and entertainment. But most importantly, it’s a lifeline when disaster strikes. The Local Radio Freedom Act opposes charges that could threaten the viability of these local businesses that many people rely on.”

Congresswoman Castor said, “The radio is a top, trusted choice for receiving local news, weather alerts, traffic updates, community opportunities, and so much more. It is particularly important for my home state of Florida, where it provides critical information to residents and visitors during storms and after times of crisis via the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. That is why I am a proud sponsor of the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution that reaffirms Congress's support for local radio stations and opposes new fees or taxes on local, free broadcast radio.”

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “NAB is grateful to Reps. Womack and Castor for leading the effort to ensure local radio remains a viable source of trusted information in communities across the country. Americans depend on the local news, traffic updates, severe weather alerts, entertainment and sports they can freely access through local stations. Imposing a new performance fee on top of the hundreds of millions that local stations already pay in copyright and streaming fees, would severely hinder our ability to provide these free and essential services to our listeners.”

Details:

• The global recording industry continues to push for Congress to impose a new, one-sided, and destructive performance fee on America’s local radio stations, while making no effort to engage constructively with broadcasters on consensus approaches that benefit both sides.
• The legislation they have promoted would subject all radio stations to such a fee, putting everyone’s local stations and their communities at risk.
• This resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges that create economic hardships for locally owned radio stations.