NAB Launches NoPerformanceTax.Org
The National Association of Broadcasters broadened its sphere of Internet influence Tuesday by launching NoPerformanceTax.org, an online hub for the organization's campaign to fight legislation that would end a longstanding royalty exemption for AM and FM stations. The Web site gives radio stations the ability to download, air, and share radio spots opposing what NAB has deemed a "performance tax" as well as online banner ads for use on station Web sites and sample letters to members of Congress. The site also provides users with background information on the issue, video clips from congressional hearings and Capitol Hill events, and NAB news releases.
The front page of NoPerformanceTax.org boasts an interactive graphic made up of hundreds of gold and platinum albums on display in local radio stations across America. The albums are customarily presented by record labels to local radio stations as a sign of appreciation for promoting their music and propelling album sales. "Olympians aren't the only ones who bring home the gold," the Web site says. "Local radio stations provide billions of dollars in promotional value to artists and record labels. In appreciation, the record labels bestow upon radio stations 'gold' and 'platinum' albums to show their gratitude."
Marty Machowsky, a spokesman for the MusicFirst Coalition, which supports the fee, called NAB's Web attempt "so 2007." "NAB's witness at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing said a fair performance right on radio is not a tax. A new Web site can't save an old, discredited argument," he said. Companion bills were introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers earlier this year. A resolution in opposition was introduced by Texas Reps. Gene Green, a Democrat, and Republican Mike Conaway a short time later. Sens. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., introduced a similar resolution last month.
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