Sen Feingold Introduces New Payola Bill

Sen. RUSS FEINGOLD (D-WI) has introduced the "Radio and Concert Disclosure and Competition Act of 2005," a bill which aims to both abolish payola in the music and radio industry and prevent radio conconglomerates who double as venue owners from strong-arming musical acts into playing at either reduced rates or for free. 

Said FEINGOLD, "The bill I introduce today proposes a multi-faceted approach to the various entrenched forms of payola. The bill would simultaneously strengthen the FCC’s ability to prove and punish violators, close the loophole allowing indirect payola, prevent cross-ownership from hindering fair competition, and, perhaps most importantly, increase transparency through disclosure of the payments to radio stations from artists, labels, promoters and others who may have an interest in improperly influencing airplay decisions."

Thus far, the following the groups have endorsed FEINGOLD's legislation: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC/A2IM, the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS, the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, CONSUMERS UNION, FREE PRESS, the FUTURE OF MUSIC COALITION, the NATIONAL ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES, and the RECORDING ARTISTS’ COALITION.

Read about the bill in Sen. FEINGOLD's own words by clicking here.

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