FCC Investigates iHeartRadio Over Alleged Payola Practices as Industry Crackdown Intensifies
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into iHeartMedia over potential payola violations, particularly focusing on their live music events practices.
iHeartRadio headquarters building
Photo Credit: iHeartRadio offices in San Francisco by HaeB / CC by 4.0
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has directly addressed iHeartMedia CEO Robert Pittman through a formal letter, expressing concerns about the company potentially pressuring artists to perform without compensation at events in exchange for airplay.
The investigation specifically targets the upcoming iHeartCountry Festival, featuring artists like Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Sam Hunt. The FCC has given iHeart 10 days to provide detailed information about:
- Artist compensation arrangements
- Standard performance fees outside the festival
- The relationship between event participation and radio airplay
This probe follows a February 6 FCC advisory prompted by Senator Marsha Blackburn's payola accusations. The advisory reminds broadcasters that manipulating airplay based on artist participation in station events without proper disclosure violates federal law.
iHeart has responded, stating they "look forward to demonstrating to the Commission how performing at the iHeartCountry Festival — or declining to do so — has no bearing on our stations' airplay."
The FCC is also extending its investigation to NPR and PBS, examining their on-air acknowledgment of financial sponsors for potential rule violations.
Graceland mansion at night view
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