Despite predictions about “the largest snowstorm in years” in Washington D.C., a large broadcaster delegation from Massachusetts took to Capitol Hill earlier this month to lobby our Congressional delegation regarding several important radio and television issues. The National Association of Broadcasters State Leadership Conference was held at the Ritz Carlton.
Following the National Association of Broadcasters State Leadership Conference the MBA group met with Congressmen Ed Markey, Richard Neal, Jim McGovern and Joe Kennedy, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Senator Elizabeth Warren. We also met with Senior Policy Advisor to Congressman Stephen Lynch, Jim Gordon.
The major issues discussed were related to the upcoming FCC spectrum reallocation auction as well as retransmission consent negotiations for television as well as speaking out against performance royalties for radio.
The MBA asked the delegation to co-sponsor legislation supporting the “Local Radio Freedom Act.” The non-binding legislation would speak against the implementation of performance royalties. At press time, Congressman Michael Capuano has agreed to co-sponsor H. Con Res. 16 which can be found here. S. Con. Res. 6 is the companion legislation in the Senate. We will continue to pursue co-sponsors to this important legislation.
Overall the broadcasters’ issues were well received and we look forward to continuing the dialogue for our members on the Hill.
Issue overviews for radio and television can be found at NAB.org. To see additional pictures of the MBA trip to Washington, visit our Facebook page or the NAB SLC page. As always your input is appreciated on these important issues.
