Logo text
iHeartMedia is entering a consent decree with the Federal Communications Commission over the regulatory organization’s payola investigation, the FCC announced on Thursday.
The FCC first announced a probe against iHeart last year over what it called “showola,” investigating claims that iHeart gave increased airplay to artists who played the radio conglomerate’s concerts and music festivals.
In its initial reply to the FCC, iHeart denied leveraging airplay for live performances, telling the FCC that “musicians perform at iHeart events for the promotional value, not for additional airplay on Company Stations.”
iHeart further told the FCC that it “takes seriously its obligations under the sponsorship identification laws, including the federal payola laws.”iHeart didn’t immediately reply to request for comment on the agreement.
