Major Broadcasters Hit With $12M Payola Fine 222
Gr8Apes writes with a just-breaking AP story reporting that the FCC is wrapping up a settlement in which four major broadcast companies would pay the government $12.5 million and provide 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and local artists. The finish line is near after a 3-year investigation. An indie promoter is quoted: "It's absolutely the most historic agreement that the independent community has had with radio. Without a doubt, nothing else comes close."
What I want to know (Score:5, Funny)
Very cool... (Score:4, Funny)
At the very least, it'll be fascinating to hear how the broadcasters will transition to the 'punishment' broadcasts...
"This is wacky bob and the fizz signing off - up next, it's a half-hour of something we don't want you to hear, and we don't get paid for. So, um, enjoy!"
Ryan Fenton
Re:How is this "news for nerds"? (Score:5, Funny)
Variety (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Just the broadcasters? (Score:5, Funny)
I don't try to pawn my VCR for $10 at 2am to get my Britney Spears fix?
Re:How is this "news for nerds"? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:"pay the governemnt"? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:"pay the governemnt"? (Score:3, Funny)
News flash: We're the government. This is another $12.5 million we won't have to pay in taxes.
Re:Very cool... (Score:5, Funny)
That's funny. I didn't realize that the broadcasters were in the business of promoting bands. I thought they made their money selling advertising, and therefore tried to find good music to keep listeners. So does that mean record companies are paying broadcasters to promote these bands?
By the way, what's payola?
Re:What I want to know (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Very cool... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Marketing for Lemmings (Score:2, Funny)