iHeartMedia has resolved an FCC investigation into alleged modern payola practices by agreeing to a comprehensive compliance framework. Under the consent decree, the broadcaster must implement internal compliance training, establish a whistleblower hotline, and appoint a board-reporting compliance officer. Most critically, the company is mandated to submit detailed regulatory reports for the next three years. These filings will cross-reference artist compensation for company events against localized airplay metrics recorded before and after each performance.
This settlement signals a significant shift in how federal regulators monitor the broadcast industry’s promotional economy. By enforcing strict data transparency rather than retroactive fines, the FCC is establishing a measurable baseline to evaluate the long-suspected correlation between festival bookings and radio rotation.
Curated by MusicResearch.com from Billboard Pro. Read the full article at: iHeartMedia Settles FCC ‘Payola’ Investigation Without Any Fine or Determination of Wrongdoing
