Representatives from the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters met with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter earlier this month to discuss several issues facing radio and television broadcasters in New Hampshire.
Among the issues discussed in detail were the upcoming FCC spectrum auctions, retransmission consent negotiations and the recent developments with the NSA.
In attendance was Jeff Bartlett, WMUR-TV, Ray Garon, Saga Communications, Peter Frid, New Hampshire Public Television, Mark Ericson, Cumulus Media, Lee Kinberg, Binnie Media Group, Anne Shea, NHAB and Jordan Walton, NHAB along with the Congresswoman.
The radio members present thanked Shea-Porter for co-sponsoring H. Con Res. 16– The Local Radio Freedom Act, which says “that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings. The bill now has 138 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The companion bill in the Senate, S. Con. Res. 6 has ten co-sponsors, including New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
The Association also expressed their opposition to any type of tax on services in Washington. Typically this type of tax also included advertising which would have a negative effect on broadcasters, their clients and all small businesses. The Congresswoman stated that she hadn’t heard of any type of service-based tax being introduced or discussed.
The meeting was very productive and the NHAB looks forward to continuing our relationship with Congresswoman Shea-Porter!