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Senator Asks FCC To Investigate Radio Concert Agreements
SENATOR MARSHA BLACKBURN (R-TN) has asked the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) to investigate whether radio stations are violating payola laws by offering more airtime to artists in exchange for free performances.
She claims some stations pressure artists to perform at listener appreciation concerts or charity events and reward them with more spins if they agree.
Her request for an investigation comes on the same day she reintroduced the AMERICAN MUSIC FAIRNESS ACT (AMFA), a bill that would require AM/FM stations to pay performance royalties for on-air music use.
There remains a lot of bipartisan support for the LOCAL RADIO FREEDOM ACT, a non-binding resolution that states CONGRESS should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges on local radio stations. The most recent version of the Act in 2024 had the support of 226 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 24 members of the SENATE.
BLACKBURN wrote, “This practice is exploitative and should not be tolerated. Federal law and FCC rules prohibit radio stations from receiving undisclosed compensation for broadcasting songs, and this principle must extend to free performances for radio stations and networks.”
“Artists should not be extorted into providing free labor in exchange for airplay. There is often an implicit suggestion that declining to perform could result in reduced airplay.”
FCC regulations require radio stations to disclose if they receive money, services, or other compensation in exchange for airtime. Violating these rules can lead to fines of up to $10,000 or a year in prison. The FCC last took action against payola violations in 2014, issuing $244,000 in fines to multiple broadcasters.