New law for Portuguese radio: minimum national music

An association representing most of Portugal's radio stations expressed anger Friday about a new law that requires them to air a minimum amount of Portuguese music each day. Parliament approved a law late Thursday that says at least 25 percent of music played between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. must be Portuguese. Failure to comply with the law will bring a fine of between Ђ3,000-Ђ50,000 (US$3,620-US$60,350).

Currently, radios mostly play foreign music. Lawmakers said the measure was aimed at preserving Portuguese culture.

However, the Portuguese Radio Broadcasters' Association, which represents 220 of the country's 350 or so radio stations, complained that lawmakers had given in to pressure from the music industry.

Its president, Jose Faustino, said Friday that specialized music stations, such as those that play jazz or classical music, would find it hard to meet the quota. Also, local radio stations do not have the staff to compile the required records of how much Portuguese music they air, Faustino said, reports the AP. N.U.