iHeart Media Agrees to Report to FCC to Prevent Unfair Artist Relationships
The company will add new reporting and disclosure rules within 60 days after the FCC probe into alleged payola tied to live performances.
- The FCC reached a consent decree with iHeartMedia to settle an investigation into 'showola,' a practice involving pressure on artists to perform at live events in exchange for more favorable airtime for their songs.
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn alerted the FCC in Jan 2025 to potential 'showola' practices where stations allegedly offered airtime if artists performed free shows, prompting the agency's investigation into the company's compliance.
- The FCC investigation focused on artists' performances at the 2025 Country Festival in Austin, Texas, examining whether iHeartMedia improperly pressured performers to appear without payment to secure favorable song rotation.
- Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will implement rigorous reporting and disclosure procedures within 60 calendar days, while making no admission of liability or violation of any law, regulation or policy.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated the agreement adds protections ensuring artists retain the right to decide where they perform, positioning the agency's commitment to fair treatment in broadcast industry dealings.
12 Articles
12 Articles
iHeart Media Agrees to Report to FCC to Prevent Unfair Artist Relationships
The FCC released a statement today, announcing that after an investigation into iHeart Media to find out if the company was in compliance with federal rules around “payola” practices, iHeart has entered into a consent decree with the Commission and the investigation has been resolved. The investigation from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau began in January when […] The post iHeart Media Agrees to Report to FCC to Prevent Unfair Artist Relationships …
iHeartMedia Settles FCC Payola Investigation, Agrees to Adopt New Reporting Measures to Ensure Legal Compliance
iHeartMedia, the largest owner of radio stations in the U.S., agreed to enter into a consent decree with FCC to settle a probe the agency launched last year into iHeartMedia’s compliance with federal rules prohibiting a specific form of payola dubbed “showola” — which involves radio stations pressuring artists to perform at station-hosted music shows […]
iHeart & FCC Agree On Consent Decree
• The FCC on Thursday announced that iHeartMedia, Inc. has agreed to enter into a consent decree with the agency. The agreement resolves an investigation the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau launched last year into iHeartMedia’s compliance with federal rules that prohibit a practice known as payola. As the FCC’s press release reads, “One form of payola, sometimes called ‘showola,’ involves a radio station pressuring artists to perform at station hosted …
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