Details Of Univision Payola Settlement Released

Payola Investigation Concludes

As first reported by ALL ACCESS YESTERDAY (NET NEWS 7/26), UNIVISION RADIO has settled a "pay-for-play" probe run jointly by the DEPT. OF JUSTICE and the FCC by agreeing to pay a $1 million penalty, and to remain a "fit licensee."

UNIVISION did not admit to any violation of the law as part of the settlement. The company said in a statement that the agreement concluded a three-year Justice Department investigation into the payola allegations of some former employees at UNIVISION MUSIC GROUP, which was sold in 2008.

"The actions of these employees were undertaken without the knowledge of anyone at UNIVISION outside of UMG," UNIVISION wrote. "Upon learning of these activities, UNIVISION self-reported to the U.S. Attorney's Office and has cooperated fully with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation process."

UNIVISION has agreed to train workers on payola restrictions, the FCC said.

See the consent decree here.

Read the full DOJ Action here.

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