This concurrent resolution advocates against the imposition of any new performance fees, taxes, or royalties on local radio stations for broadcasting sound recordings over the air. It highlights that Congress has historically rejected such fees, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the broadcasting and sound recording industries, where local radio provides significant free publicity and promotion for artists and music. The resolution asserts that new performance fees would inflict severe economic hardship on thousands of local radio stations and other small businesses, including bars and restaurants, that play music. It further warns that diverting revenues to pay these fees would jeopardize local radio's crucial role in delivering essential news, weather, public affairs programming, and public service announcements, ultimately harming American businesses and consumers who rely on these services.
This concurrent resolution advocates against the imposition of any new performance fees, taxes, or royalties on local radio stations for broadcasting sound recordings over the air. It highlights that Congress has historically rejected such fees, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the broadcasting and sound recording industries, where local radio provides significant free publicity and promotion for artists and music. The resolution asserts that new performance fees would inflict severe economic hardship on thousands of local radio stations and other small businesses, including bars and restaurants, that play music. It further warns that diverting revenues to pay these fees would jeopardize local radio's crucial role in delivering essential news, weather, public affairs programming, and public service announcements, ultimately harming American businesses and consumers who rely on these services.