How Congress is Fighting for Radio Stations Like Ours in Montana

While this is a bit personal, the trained broadcast professional that I am will not stoop to op ed commentary.

Or, whatever kind of trained professional I am. Or am I any kind of...? Anyway...

Your hometown radio stations have served as vital companions for decades, regardless of music or talk format. We'd venture a guess that few of you would argue with that, as you reflect on what local radio has meant to you over the years.

And like any industry, radio is faced with rising costs that could potentially disrupt their ability to deliver a quality product to their communities. But here is an example of sticker shock that has motivated a couple of members of the U.S. Senate, who are declaring that they won't stand for it.

The Northern Ag Network tells us that U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act. The bipartisan resolution says Congress should not impose new taxes or fees on locally owned radio stations. The resolution also "underscores the critical importance of locally owned radio stations to families, small businesses and our communities."