# Plain Language Summary: Local Radio Freedom Act

This resolution expresses Congress's support for the "Local Radio Freedom Act," which is about protecting radio stations' ability to play music without having to pay extra fees to songwriters and music publishers. Right now, when a radio station plays a song on the air, the station pays performance royalties to compensate the people who created that music. However, there's a specific group—satellite radio and internet radio services like Sirius XM and Spotify—that have to pay these fees, but traditional AM/FM radio stations largely don't. The Local Radio Freedom Act would keep things the way they are, ensuring that local radio broadcasters don't face new requirements to pay these additional royalties to songwriters.

The resolution is basically Congress saying it agrees with keeping this current system in place. It's not actually changing any laws—it's more of a statement of support. The practical effect is that if this sentiment gains traction, it could influence future legislation or regulatory decisions about music licensing. For everyday listeners, this means local radio stations would continue operating under their current business model without new costs that might otherwise get passed along through changes in programming or advertising.

The main groups affected are local radio broadcasters, who want to avoid new licensing fees, and music creators, who argue they deserve compensation whenever their work is performed publicly, whether on traditional radio or streaming services. This resolution sides with the radio industry's position in that ongoing debate.

A concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.

Hassan, Margaret Wood

 <p>This concurrent resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.</p>