Industry Jul 9, 2026
iHeartMedia Settles FCC ‘Payola’ Investigation Without Fine
The radio giant is boosting compliance procedures to satisfy the federal agency, which questioned whether artists perform free shows in exchange for airplay.
Originally published by
Billboard
iHeartMedia has reached a settlement with the FCC to resolve an investigation into potential 'payola' practices. The settlement requires the company to enhance its compliance procedures.
The investigation centered on whether artists were performing free shows in exchange for radio airplay. iHeartMedia has not been fined and no wrongdoing has been determined in the settlement. Originally reported by Billboard.