It was the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) which estimated that passage of the Performance Rights Act (PRA) would drive at least a third of all current minority-owned radio stations into bankruptcy. So, what is the MMTC view now that the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has changed course and is trying to negotiate a PRA settlement?
“MMTC has concerns about the formula as it’s currently presented. We believe it could work to the detriment of minority broadcasters because of the unique market conditions they face. We’ll be working with the NAB to try to find a way to modify the formula and thus resolve these potential issues because minority broadcasters and their communities cannot be left behind,” MMTC President and Executive Director David Honig told RBR-TVBR.
In today’s issue, Noalmark Broadcasting’s El Dorado, AR market General Manager Sandy Sanford warns that “Should this be enacted, it will be single greatest transfer of wealth from the radio industry to foreign owned companies in the history of the business.” He wants no retreat from staunch radio opposition to PRA in any form. Click here to read his Viewpoint.
RBR-TVBR received this analysis from a GM who asked that his/her name not be used:
“I ran the 1% numbers for my medium market cluster. It would cost the amount of one good salary. The reduction of the streaming cost is a joke. Pennies vs. dollars.
Call me a dreamer but could the NAB be negotiating because Congress told them to and they are simply “talking” to get to the next Congress in January? Then go back to playing “hard ball” again.
All the “big boys” only see a few dollars off the bottom line to avoid the fight. Local, community radio stations see it as a lot less money to keep employees, station vans on the streets, capital improvements, etc.”
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