Once each year, the ABA leads a group of GMs from Arizona radio and TV stations to Washington DC. The trip ties-in to an annual meeting with the National Association of Broadcasters and allows us to get local radio and TV leaders in front of Arizona’s congressional delegation. The ABA funds 99% of the costs for GMs to attend, and the visit helps ensure we’re able to stay ahead of the key federal issues facing our industry. Here are some of the 2020 issues we advocated for during our trip last week:

KEY TOPICS:
1) Asking for continued support to keep radio performance royalties at bay
2) Reminder of the role broadcasters play in building local communities
3) Asking for support of a tax incentive to diversify TV and radio ownership
4) Request to join a new broadcasters caucus in Congress

We were able to meet with every office, and I’m pleased to say received a warm reception with no major flags. There’s nothing more powerful than a general manager sharing specific examples of how performance tax – as example – could dramatically alter local business. 

If you’re curious to learn more about any of the 2020 federal agenda issues for broadcasters, here’s a write-up.