Spitzer Accuses Feds of Secretly Undermining his 'Payola' Case

SPITZER ACCUSES FEDS OF SECRETLY UNDERMINING HIS 'PAYOLA' CASE
[SOURCE: Associated Press, AUTHOR: Devlin Barrett]
New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer accused federal regulators Monday of going behind his back to negotiate with radio companies caught in a "payola" scandal, and saying the move undercuts the case he's been building for years. Negotiations between radio companies and the Federal Communications Commission have included possible payments of about $1 million per company, said an official familiar with the talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are secret and have not been finalized. Spitzer's lawyers, by contrast, have been seeking a figure closer to $20 million from each company, the official said.
http://www.silive.com/newsflash/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1144081453180410.xml&storylist=simetro

* Spitzer Criticizes Talks Between FCC, Stations
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-spitzer4apr04,1,4180956.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-business

* Free Press Pushes Tough Payola Fines
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6321354?display=Breaking+News

* FCC Must Crack Down on Payola Broadcasters
http://www.freepress.net/press/release.php?id=125