Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has raised concerns over the practices of radio stations and networks that she believes exploit songwriters and artists in her state. In a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, Blackburn highlighted the issue of radio stations offering increased airtime to artists in exchange for free performances. She pointed out that these events often benefit the radio stations financially through ticket sales and sponsorships while leaving artists and record labels to cover the costs.

Blackburn expressed her concerns about these practices potentially circumventing federal regulations. "I am writing to bring attention to an issue critically impacting Tennessee’s content creators, particularly its songwriters and music community," she stated. She emphasized that federal law prohibits accepting payment for airtime without disclosure, a practice known as 'payola.' According to Blackburn, some radio stations are now sidestepping this rule by requiring artists to perform free shows instead of providing direct compensation.

The senator detailed how this arrangement forces artists into a difficult position. "We have heard the new scheme works in this manner: radio stations and networks offer more airtime for an artist’s songs if the artist performs a free show," Blackburn explained. She noted that declining such offers could result in reduced airplay for the artists' songs.

Blackburn urged immediate action against what she described as exploitative practices, stating, "This practice is exploitative and should not be tolerated." She called on the FCC to extend its rules prohibiting undisclosed compensation for broadcasting songs to include these free performances.

For further details, Blackburn's full letter is available online.