Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has called into issue the relationship between radio stations, artists, and labels regarding stations getting free concerts.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has asked the Enforcement Bureau to look into the relationship to determine if it rises to the level of payola.
Blackburn alleges that stations may offer more airtime for songs or artists in exchange for the free show, creating a pay-for-play situation.
In her petition, Blackburn writes, “From what we have learned, it appears that to sidestep these restrictions, radio stations and networks have adopted a troubling new tactic. Instead of demanding cash or lavish perks from record labels in exchange for airplay, they now pressure artists to perform “free radio shows”— also referred to as ‘listener appreciation shows’ or ‘charitable concert events.”’
While offering no specifics, Blackburn continued, “This forced quid pro quo applies to essentially all artists, regardless of their level of success. Artists in the industry have told me that it is not unusual for them to perform anywhere from 10 to 50 such shows in any given year. Those just starting out in their career will often perform more, while those that have had more success will have to perform fewer, but they will still be expected to do them.”
The filing comes at a time when Blackburn has reintroduced the American Music Fairness Act a bill which would require a performance royalty from radio stations for on air use of music.
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