National Association of Broadcasters President Gordon Smith wrote to House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy and others on Thursday in response to an Oct. 30 letter that sought a meeting to discuss legislation that would force AM and FM stations to pay a new fee to performers and record labels. In the letter, the former Republican senator for Oregon writes that he appreciates their interest "in gaining a greater understanding of the impact that this legislation will have on your local radio stations and the local communities they serve."

Due to laws prohibiting him from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office, Smith said he requires an ethics waiver that indicates his participation in their planned Nov. 17 meeting is legally and ethically permissible. Smith was defeated by Democrat Jeff Merkley in 2008 after two terms in office and was named head of NAB in September. He said there may be an exception for communications made in congressional testimony and needs confirmation from the Senate that his involvement falls within that, or another exception.

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