In a nutshell, this is why commercial radio sucks.
WSJ.com - FCC Escalates Investigation Into Alleged Radio Payola The Federal Communications Commission is stepping up its investigation into alleged payola practices at four of the largest U.S. radio corporations after attempts to reach a settlement stalled.An FCC official with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed the agency had requested documents this week from Clear Channel Communications Inc.; CBS Radio Inc., a unit of CBS Corp.; Entercom Communications Corp.; and Citadel Broadcasting Corp.
The agency wants to learn more about accusations that radio programmers received gifts, cash and other items in exchange for playing certain songs at radio stations without publicly disclosing the deals.
The music industry monoliths desperately want to 'create' the next flavor-of-the-month pop monstrosity, hence payoffs to the radio broadcasters, hence the general suckiness of what gets played. Cycle of mediocrity, indeed.
Tags: corruption, /music, /rock_snob
