Former Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., has been tapped to head the National Association of Broadcasters, the trade group announced Friday morning. Smith, who was defeated by Democrat Jeff Merkley in 2008 after two terms in office, starts Nov. 1. Among Smith's top priorities will be leading broadcasters' effort to stave off legislation that would force AM and FM radio to pay fees to performers whose songs they air.
NAB's former president, David Rehr, stepped down in May after four years on the job. Smith, who served on the Senate Commerce, Finance, and Foreign Relations Committees, will be introduced to NAB members and make brief remarks at the group's annual Radio Show in Philadelphia next week and will meet the entire NAB board in mid-October. While on Capitol Hill, Smith also chaired the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force -- a role that helped foster his interest in new media and technology issues.
His appointment comes on the heels of a string of recent defeats for the NAB, including its failure to block the XM-Sirius satellite radio merger. The association was also a key player in the nation's switchover to digital television signals. Smith issued a statement calling the NAB post "an opportunity of a lifetime." "As radio and television stations embrace new technologies and new business opportunities, I look forward to articulating to public policymakers the unique and positive role played by local and network broadcasters in the fabric of American society," he said.
Read more in CongressDaily's PM Edition.
Friday, January 29, 2010
randy hamilton
I started to read this and got distracted as Cashback cards and a new iPad is whats on my agenda today. I am trying to make some money , save some money and spend some money.. Its hard.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
robert stevens
I met Mr smith once when he visited or office a couple of years back to help us with the launch of our directory and I must say he blew me away with his thoughts and comments. He is certainly a manon a mission and judging by what he did then I have no doubt the will do well in his new job. I for one wish him all the best.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Stig
I agree that performers should get paid for work. Who gets a free link ? Broadcasters should pay fees to performers whose songs they air. Other countries does it so why not the States. Internet radio has to pay performance rights but broadcast stations get a free pass. This is not right at all. What about Performance Rights Act ? I work and you get paid ?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Mandie
Its a shame that people arent getting credit for their hard work I have a link directory service and I pay all of my affiliates. Thats just the way business works. Artists really deserve to get paid for their hard work. It amazes me that they are trying to get away with stealing other peoples hard work or copyrighted material.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tim
I run a flat rental website called Cardiff letting agents and imagine if I didnt pay people for their hard work? I would be in big trouble. I think this goes the same for artisits - they should be paid. Its there talent not the producers. Things just seem backwards sometimes.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Joey
Yes - artists should get paid for their hard work. I a big esoterik portal and I make sure that all of my clients get payed for their advertising efforts. Its all the same thing. If you look at the facts its almost like the artist is getting robbed if they arent getting payed for someone listing on the radio.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Andrew
I was under the understanding that radio stations did have to pay for playing songs? I am not a musician, I actually sell gold online and in my store. I agree with the others here that radio stations should have to pay per song they play to the artisit. Why should the artist have to suffer?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Steven
I also believe that people should be payed for the hard work. I wouldnt mind paying for radio service if it was better and had no commercials similar to XM and other services. I think our government should focus on getting us cheaper electricity bills than being woried about rich people. There are so many people in the U.S. suffering and this is what they are worried about.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Joe White
I have been a firm believer that people should have to pay for music. They shouldnt have to pay to listen to the radio but the radio stations should have to pay the artisits. I have a personalised gifts store and I sell music, I think that the artists should get paid for thier hard work.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Software
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Software