As it continues to battle legislation that would require AM and FM radio stations to pay a new fee to performers and record labels, the National Association of Broadcasters Monday highlighted musical artists who acknowlege the imporatnce of radio to their careers. While musical artists have been vocal in supporting the legislation, NAB sent out a news release touting comments from some of the winners at the American Music Awards Sunday night praising radio for helping them with their success. The group has argued that free air play by AM and FM radio stations has been key to helping musical artists reach their audience.

NAB quoted country star Taylor Swift in her acceptance speech for artist of the year as saying, "I wanted to say thank you to country radio for giving the fans a chance to hear my music." The group also pointed to country star Keith Urban, who thanked "all our friends at country radio" in his speech accepting the award for best male country singer. And not to be outdone was country band Gloriana and band member Rachel Reinert, who thanked "country radio so much for playing our music" in accepting an award for breakthrough artist of year.

In response, Martin Machowsky of MusicFirst said, "Corporate radio just doesn't get it. Artists and musicians create wonderful music for their fans to hear on the radio, on satellite radio and on internet radio, at shows and on music video channels. But of all those platforms only AM and FM music radio uses the music without compensating the artists and musicians who bring it to life."