FCC Releases Payola Consent Decree

FCC RELEASES PAYOLA DECREE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The FCC Friday released the consent decrees settling payola allegations against CBS Radio, Citadel, Clear Channel, and Entercom to the tune of a total of $12.5 million. In addition to the fine, the stations agreed not to take payola, to limit gifts from record companies to employees, appoint compliance executives to monitor compliance, and hold regular training sessions about the payola restrictions. Arguably the key lines in the four decrees for broadcasters are the FCC's declaration that "[N]othing in the record before us creates a substantial and material question of fact in regard to these matters as to whether [fill in the name] and its direct or indirect subsidiaries that hold FCC authorizations possess the basic qualifications, including character qualifications, to hold or obtain any FCC licenses or authorizations."
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6433817.html

* BROADCASTERS PAY $12.5 MILLION TO RESOLVE POSSIBLE "PAYOLA" VIOLATIONS
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-272304A1.doc
* Radio payola settlement reached
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070414/BUSINESS01...
* The FCC's new 'payola' rules
[SOURCE: Lasar's Letter on the FCC, AUTHOR: Matthew Lasar]
http://www.lasarletter.net/drupal/node/391

* Radio watchdog calls payola settlement a sham
Paul Porter, co-founder of media watchdog group Industry Ears, says the agreement does not go nearly far enough. “You’re basically talking about a fine and a fine doesn't stop payola,” Porter said. The broadcasters did not have to admit guilt and Porter said he expects radio playlists to remain virtually unchanged. “Twelve million dollars is nothing for the big four companies,” Porter said.
http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/04/14/news/business/doc461ffbde80ff...