H. Con. Res. 21 / S. Con. Res. 7 – the Local Radio Freedom Act
The NBA and its member radio stations vigorously oppose the levying of a performance tax on local radio broadcasters. Big, foreign-owned record labels are seeking to undermine the mutually beneficial relationship, which has existed between local radio broadcasters and the recording industry for over 80 years. The current system of free airplay for free promotion works. We salute Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-1), former Rep.(now Senator) Dean Heller (NV-2) and Rep. Joe Heck (NV-3) for supporting local radio and cosponsoring this important resolution. Opposition to the RIAA effort now stands at 156 House members and 19 Senators.
All fifty State Broadcasters Associations plus Puerto Rico in the 111th Congress cosigned a Resolution of 50 State Broadcasters Associations in Opposition to a “Performance Tax”expressing collective opposition to any congressional effort to impose any new “performance tax” on local radio stations for the benefit of the recording industry.
Spectrum Management and the National Broadband Plan
The FCC in its National Broadband Plan recommends reallocating 120 MHz of broadcast TV spectrum. The Nevada Broadcasters Association opposes the grabbing of TV spectrum and believes the future of the communications landscape in America should include both highly-efficient broadcasting and high-speed broadband. Choosing one over the other is a false choice that should be rejected.
TV broadcasters use spectrum to deliver vital news, emergency information and more to all Americans free of charge. Sound spectrum management and technology will preserve these benefits and ensure that other users of the technology, including public safety, have access to spectrum.
Broadcasters, following the DTV transition, are doing more with less. TV broadcasters freed up spectrum for other uses while at the same time providing more channel choices and crystal-clear video and audio.
Even the wireless industry has indicated publicly that technology will solve any "looming crisis." And AT&T worked together with Apple engineers to make the iPhone less straining on AT&T's mobile network with no need for additional spectrum.
Retransmission Consent
The NBA and its TV members welcome the opportunity to continue privately negotiating for compensation of their valuable programming free from government interference.
Viewers, local broadcast stations and pay TV operators all benefit from the retransmission consent process. Retransmission negotiations are fair and market-driven, and there is no need to change the process that Congress established and has worked well for nearly two decades. Last year, the NBA and many other State Broadcasters Associations filed reply comments with the FCC in response to the Commission’s petition to amend its rules governing retransmission consent. Various pay TV operators, including the American Cable Association, filed comments in support of changing the rules. The NBA and its partners vigorously defended a system that works as it is intended and is beneficial to both broadcasters and pay TV providers.
FM Radio Tuners in Mobile Phones
As the Voice of Homeland Security, the Nevada Broadcasters Association supports efforts to include FM tuners in all new cellular phones. This capability gives citizens an important new way to access Emergency Alert System messages on a device they carry everywhere. This innovation allows the mobile phone industry to comply with the Warning Alert and Response Network (WARN) Act of 2006 and costs less than $1 per handset.
Localism is Alive and Well in Your Community
Nevada’s radio and television broadcasters serve their communities every day. They work to meet the needs of each community by providing local news, acting as a lifeline during crises and raising millions for local charities and causes. Broadcasters oppose unnecessary burdens on local stations that would hamper their efforts to provide these essential services.
For more information about the NBA's federal legislative priorities, please contact Adam Sandler.
