September 1, 2022

Local Radio Freedom Act Reaches Majority in the House  

The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), the concurrent resolution expressing a commitment from Congress not to levy a new performance tax on broadcasters, has officially reached a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives.

The LRFA is a non-binding resolution and cannot become law, but the majority benchmark sends a clear signal in Congress that most voting House members would not support a move to create a new performance royalty.

“The complexities of music licensing questions are not resolved by a flat radio royalty, a handout from Congress to the major record labels that already dominate the market, or a bigger role for the government,” said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “We’re very appreciative that members of Congress are attentive to this issue and the majority have chosen to stand with local radio.”

“The musicFirst coalition advancing the AMFA has made no secret of its unveiled contempt for broadcasters,” added Noelle Garnier, NRB’s director of public policy and communications. “So far, it looks like hostility to a hardworking American industry plus bombarding Congress with celebrity star power just doesn’t get the job done.”

Top Stories

Christian Executives to Gather in Washington, D.C. at Capitol Hill Media Summit 

As early autumn descends on the Nation’s capital, the NRB President’s Council will gather in Washington, D.C., September 19-21, with lawmakers, newsmakers, and policy experts speaking on First Amendment freedoms and providing insight on key issues of importance to NRB members.

The summit will be held at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, plus other essential venues downtown and on Capitol Hill. Confirmed Capitol Hill Media Summit contributors include former Representative Frank R. Wolf (R-VA-10), Brandon Tatum, host of “The Officer Tatum Show” on Salem Radio Network, Carrie Campbell Severino, president of Judicial Crisis Network (JCN), Charles Hurt, opinion editor of The Washington Times, and more.

Dr. Alveda King is Mobilizing the Next Generation to ‘Speak for Life’  

As one of the nation’s most outspoken pro-life figures, Dr. Alveda C. King is giving a voice to the voiceless through her ministry Speak for Life (SFL).

Dr. King, an evangelist, author, and public speaker, is the daughter of the late Rev. A. D. King and the niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I was born into the King’s family legacy,” said Dr. King. “Therefore, being a part of a Christian legacy who loves Jesus, who loves humanity, and who loves justice framed my message and my actions.”

Make Your Voice Heard on So-Called “Respect for Marriage Act”

The so-called “Respect for Marriage Act” was recently pushed through the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate, with a Senate vote on the bill expected in less than two weeks.

This dishonestly named bill, which enshrines same-sex marriage in federal law, threatens the religious freedom of millions of Americans who follow the biblical definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

According to NRB member Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), this proposed bill should give churches and ministries grave concern for three reasons:

1. It would require the federal government to recognize any state’s definition of marriage—such as polygamous marriages—without any limitations.
2. It would empower activist groups to sue religious individuals and organizations that believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman.
3. It could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of non-profit organizations that believe marriage is only between one man and one woman.

Join church and ministry leaders nationwide in signing a letter to the Senate, led by ADF Ministry Alliance, expressing opposition to the proposed bill. 

Read the letter here and add your signature here.  

Pacific Justice Institute Opens New Office   

NRB member Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) recently opened a new office in Arizona. A legal non-profit with a mission to defend the “religious freedoms, parental rights, and other civil liberties of the defenseless,” PJI provides clients with dedicated and exceptional legal support funded entirely by their generous supporters. The Arizona office joins PJI’s list of nationwide offices in states including California (six offices), Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

“The fight to hold true to our principles is one that PJI does not take lightly,” stated PJI founder and president, Brad Dacus. “I am excited that PJI can serve those in Arizona who so desperately need our aid.”

NRB Member News

• Regent University Names Dede Robertson Student Center and Announces Expansion Plans
• Salem Media Group announces Battleground Talkers Tour 2022
• Hope Media Group Showers Moms in Need with Love and Essentials
• Christian Radio Reacts to Ukraine Restrictions on Russian Language
• BGEA: Praying for a Second Generation of Christians to Rise Up in Mongolia
• FM Station Is a First for TWR Ministry in Côte d'Ivoire
• ‘Whole Leaders for the Whole World’ campaign progressing at ORU

NRB Reminders

Industry Trends and Insights

• No National EAS Test This Year, But FCC Will Test Wireless Alert Geotargeting Next Month
• Music Industry Vows To Fight On After Broadcasters Hit Milestone In Battle Against Royalty
• Digital Divide? How Evangelicals Use Media Both Familiar and Surprising
• Ten Questions to Put You on a Path to Success in Major Gift Development
• Why I Stopped Hiring People Like Me

Industry Job Openings

• Engineer - Part Time (Wilkins Radio Network)
• Corporate Controller (Bott Radio Network)
• Director of Digital Media (Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef)
• Visual Media Specialist, Social Media (Joni and Friends)
• News Anchor/Reporter (Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries)