Pro-Radio Bills Gaining Traction in Congress

posted on 4.21.2025

- AM Radio, Performance Tax

Support is growing in Congress for two separate measures intended to ensure local broadcast Radio stations can thrive and continue to work in the public interest of their communities of license, with Texans helping to lead the way on both fronts.

The Local Radio Freedom Act opposes the creation of a new performance royalty – branded by NAB as a Performance Tax – that Radio stations would have to pay in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars in music royalties that U.S. Radio and TV broadcasters already collectively pay to rights holders every year.

The measure is known as HConRes 12 and has 158 co-sponsors, of which 15 are Texans – more than any other state.

The AM for Every Vehicle Act ensures that automakers preserve AM Radio reception in new vehicles, a response to plans announced two years ago by a handful of electric vehicle to discontinue the offering.  The automakers claimed they couldn’t resolve interference created by the EV motors despite other automakers successfully deploying the technology.

The bill, HR 979, currently has 150 co-sponsors, including 10 from Texas – second only to California.

Policy Distractions Delay

Despite the gradual growth in the number of co-sponsors for both measures, sign-ups have been slower than last year likely because of a focus by Congress and the new presidential administration on drastically restructuring the federal government, as well as its budget and tax policy.

TAB is redoubling efforts to grow the number of Texas co-sponsors for both measures and reaching out to stations individually to get their help.

Background information and talking points are available for both the Performance Tax issue and the AM Radio bill.

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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