SE Wyoming News

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has joined forces with Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to introduce the Local Radio Freedom Act. This bipartisan resolution aims to prevent Congress from imposing new taxes or fees on locally owned radio stations, emphasizing their crucial role for families, small businesses, and communities.

Senator Lummis expressed her support by stating, “Local radio keeps every corner of the Cowboy State informed, entertained, and safe. If broadcasters are forced to pay additional taxes and fees, vital programs get put on the chopping block. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for rural Americans who rely on local programming.”

Senator Barrasso highlighted the importance of local radio in Wyoming: “People across Wyoming depend on local radio stations for timely information, news, and programming that impact their daily lives. For decades, 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 to make ends meet."

Senator Hassan echoed these sentiments by adding that local radio is essential for Granite Staters who rely on it for news updates, music, stories, weather forecasts, and emergency alerts.

The legislation is co-sponsored by several other U.S. Senators including Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (W.Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).

Support for this legislation comes from organizations such as the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters, and iHeartMedia.

Laura Grott, President of Wyoming Association of Broadcasters stated: “We are grateful for the support of our Wyoming Delegation and to Senator Barrasso for taking the lead on this important resolution that helps protect our local broadcasters from being imposed an additional fee.”

Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President and CEO added: “For over a century, local radio stations have provided communities with trusted news...NAB thanks Sens. Barrasso and Hassan...for recognizing the vital role of local radio across the country.”

The full text of the resolution is available online.