EDITOR:
Listening to the radio is part of the daily routine for Nevadans as well as millions of Americans. Broadcasters provide their listeners with music, news, forums to voice opinions, weather and traffic updates, and more. They also provide a valuable service by airing donated public service announcements critical to the success of these organizations.
Even more importantly, radio stations are essential informational outlets supporting emergency management and public health and safety. In times of disaster or impending dangers, local radio stations are a major source of information for all citizens.
The ability of radio stations to provide these services may be in jeopardy because of proposed legislation in Congress. The Performance Rights Act would impose a performance royalty on radio broadcasters, who are essentially providing artists with free promotion for the recording industry. This fee will create a financial burden to radio stations, and many stations may even go out of business, losing jobs and a vital community resource.
Congress should focus on policy that will help businesses grow and create new jobs rather than vote on measures that may have the opposite effect.
Nevada's delegation in the House of Representatives agrees. U.S. Reps. Shelley Berkley, Dean Heller, and Dina Titus all oppose this proposal. We hope our U.S. senators will also ensure that such an ill-conceived plan does not receive any consideration from the Senate.
State Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon
State Sen. Dean Rhoads, R- Tuscarora
State legislators
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