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Major Broadcasters Hit With $12M Payola Fine

Posted by kdawson on from the pay-for-play-no-no dept.

Gr8Apes writes with a just-breaking AP story reporting that the FCC is wrapping up a settlement in which four major broadcast companies would pay the government $12.5 million and provide 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and local artists. The finish line is near after a 3-year investigation. An indie promoter is quoted: "It's absolutely the most historic agreement that the independent community has had with radio. Without a doubt, nothing else comes close."

12 of 222 comments (clear)

  1. What I want to know by overshoot · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... is how Clear Channel and the Big Five are going to neuter this so that they technically comply but don't mess up a good thing.

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    1. Re:What I want to know by Ripley · · Score: 5, Funny

      Easy - they will give the indie labels plenty of air time .... Sunday morning around 2am-ish
      For example, Sunday March 11, 2007 from 1:59 AM to 3:01 AM.
  2. Very cool... by RyanFenton · · Score: 3, Funny

    The fine was nothing, considering the scope of the industries involved. But the air-time for independent broadcasters should be a cool twist.

    At the very least, it'll be fascinating to hear how the broadcasters will transition to the 'punishment' broadcasts...

    "This is wacky bob and the fizz signing off - up next, it's a half-hour of something we don't want you to hear, and we don't get paid for. So, um, enjoy!"

    Ryan Fenton

    1. Re:Very cool... by nine-times · · Score: 4, Funny

      ...but most large commercial stations aren't interested in promoting small independent acts from other markets, especially if the act doesn't tour and appear in that station's coverage area.

      That's funny. I didn't realize that the broadcasters were in the business of promoting bands. I thought they made their money selling advertising, and therefore tried to find good music to keep listeners. So does that mean record companies are paying broadcasters to promote these bands?

      By the way, what's payola?

    2. Re:Very cool... by HAKdragon · · Score: 2, Funny

      Man, Slashdotters just don't understand.

      --
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  3. Re:How is this "news for nerds"? by twostar · · Score: 4, Funny

    What about "music" nerds? How come it always has to be about "computer" nerds? Can't we be inclusive and support all the nerds of the world?

  4. Variety by QuietLagoon · · Score: 3, Funny

    You mean we may now actually have some musical variety on the airwaves?

  5. Re:Just the broadcasters? by HungWeiLo · · Score: 4, Funny

    How is this any different?

    I don't try to pawn my VCR for $10 at 2am to get my Britney Spears fix?

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  6. Re:How is this "news for nerds"? by ak3ldama · · Score: 1, Funny

    No.

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    "but money is the God of Algiers & Mahomet their prophet." - Rich. O'Bryen June 8th 1786
  7. Re:"pay the governemnt"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    They said it was a three-year investigation, and lawyers are expensive...

  8. Re:"pay the governemnt"? by Paulrothrock · · Score: 2, Funny

    News flash: We're the government. This is another $12.5 million we won't have to pay in taxes.

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  9. Re:Marketing for Lemmings by Flunitrazepam · · Score: 2, Funny

    RIAA on Rails?

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