Industry Jul 16, 2026
iHeartMedia Enhances Anti-Payola Policies Following FCC Scrutiny
In short
iHeartMedia has agreed a deal with US media regulator the FCC to ramp up its payola policies in relation to live events.
Originally published by
Complete Music Update
iHeartMedia has entered into an agreement with the FCC to strengthen its policies against payola, particularly concerning live events. This action follows an FCC investigation initiated last year into allegations that some radio stations offered airplay in exchange for artists performing at their events without charge.
The FCC's focus on these practices highlighted concerns that such arrangements could constitute payola. Originally reported by Complete Music Update.