FREE RADIO VS PAID RADIO

Free Radio Vs Paid Radio



Free Radio Vs Paid Radio

Thesis Statement

Can a tax on free radio upset the people and impose a radio broadcast unfitting to the consumer.

Introduction

In an era where radio is played more than television. And an economy on the brink of disaster should congress impose a tax that could wipe out free radio and close the doors to new artists, business, and companies that rely solely on FREE radio ads, promotions and advertisement. Our free world is quickly becoming a paying world and the people can't afford it and in some cases don't like the options available whether satellite or cable. Radio has always been free why should it change now? Can diverse music and artist (new and old) survive without free radio. Will cities who rely heavily on radio for news and traffic updates still thrive without radio news? Does a tax really take away from radio as we know it or simply pad the pockets of music company executives who already pocket billions annually. A new tax could help executives increase profits, upset the consumer and impose a radio broadcast unfitting for the masses.

Radio is widely distributed in every city, town, nook and cranny in the United States. Virtually every town no matter how small usually has a local radio station. An average of more than 225 million people listen to radio in a week. The Unites States operates over 13,500 broadcast radio stations to date. However, in a nation consumed by mass communication in ways that were once thought unimaginable as radio once was, radio has still prevailed broadcasting around the world free.

The Issue

The recording industry wants to impose a performance tax that would financially hurt local radio stations, stifle new artists and harm the listening public who rely on free local radio.

Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), along with Representatives Gene Green (D-Texas) and Michael Conaway (R-Texas), and many other members of Congress have sponsored legislation and efforts against the performance tax. Others still need to hear your voice.

Radio and the Recording Industry

Radio and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for over 80 years. It has seen its peaks and valleys but still somehow making it through the muck of an ever changing society. Consumers who are as diverse and ever changing just has radio has over the years. Both sides have benefited heavily with profits and sustained businesses. Moreover, free radio brings in revenues topping $2.4 billion annually in music sales for record labels and artists. Which doesn't include concert and merchandising that bring in enormous profits. Because record labels have failed to adapt to the new-age of digital music there business is falling short. But with a struggling economy free radio is now putting a strain on music sales. Coupled with piracy and the wide distribution of illegally downloaded music radio executives have found a way to recoup money lost by imposing a performance ...