Performance tax would hurt local radio stations

Most of us look to our local radio stations as reliable sources for news and music. We tune into them at home, at work, in the car, and pretty much anywhere we go with a radio or device that allows us to stream our favorite stations. As a business owner, I also view local radio stations as an important resource for growth since they offer affordable advertising that helps me reach potential customers.

Even though local radio stations are important resources to the communities they serve, the recording industry is pushing for a new tax that would drive some of them out of business and ultimately force others to cut staff and budgets for community-oriented activities such as charity events and disaster relief. I find this ironic since local radio stations are also important resources to the recording industry. How? Free promotion. In fact, radio airplay translates into more than $2 billion in annual music sales.

More than 175 members of the House and Senate recognize the value of local radio stations and are supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. This is a bipartisan resolution stating that Congress should not approve legislation imposing a performance tax on local radio stations.

As of today, the 112th Congress is not considering performance tax legislation. Past Congresses have done so and rejected it. Should legislation be introduced this year as many are anticipating, it will be important for all of us who appreciate the value of our local radio stations to contact our members of Congress and let them know we strongly oppose a performance tax because it will have a negative impact on local radio stations, local businesses like mine, and our community as a whole.

Ken Chase, Annapolis

The writer is the owner of Aqua Terra Restaurant.