FCC launches an investigation into the alleged Payola practices
The Federal Communications Committee (FCC) has launched an investigation into iheartmedia on whether the radio giant has made a lifting of financial artists – a practice that may violate “Payola” laws – to play in its events.
in letter To the CEO of iHeartmedia, Robert Betman, the head of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) Brendan Carle claimed that “some owners of licensed radio stations are federally forcing the musicians to perform in the events of the radio station or festivals for free (or to obtain reduced compensation) in exchange for obtaining On a more convenient flight. “
In fact, American law states that any payments must be revealed to a radio station to influence AirPlay as a sponsorship content. If artists are trading in the appearance of broadcasting time without this disclosure, the arrangement may be considered illegal.
One of the events concerned is the upcoming repetition of the Ihertmedia’s iheartcountry festival, which will decrease on May 3 in Austin, Texas with major Brox & Don, Thomas Rett, and Rascal Flatts.
“Since IHEART ends its approach to this music festival, I want to make sure that he does so in a way that corresponds to the Federal Payola requirements.”
In his message, Car asked eight questions about Peteman, starting with requests to obtain information about the upcoming iHeartCountry Festival for inquiries about whether the artists have been manipulated to accept reduced fees for their manifestations.
The letter – dated Monday, February 24 – IHERTMEDIA gave 10 days to respond. In a general statement, the company denied committing any violations.
(Performance) at the iheartCountry Festival – or refusing to do so – has no effect on broadcasting at our stations, and we do not make any public or secret agreements about broadcasting with artists who perform in our events, ” Hollywood Observer). “The ihertcountry Festival provides the same type of promotion that we see with artists in talk shows, television late at night, Super Bowl and in digital music performance Radio.
Since he was appointed Chairman of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) by Donald Trump, Car has also investigated CBS, NPR and PBS.
