Record Labels Don't Engage in Payola, They Tell FCC's O'Rielly

Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group don’t have arrangements with radio stations for song placement or air time, the record labels told FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly in letters responding to his inquiry on payola (see 2001210065). O’Rielly shared the responses on Twitter, and said he will post a response from Universal once protections for confidential information are worked out. Universal’s response is expected to be similar. Sony and Warner told O’Rielly they weren’t aware of any payola arrangements and they comply with federal payola laws. "If people have credible, tangible facts disputing responses, please let me know,” tweeted O’Rielly. The commissioner indicated he may seek to relax regulations against payola (see 1911150054) but said Tuesday the issue is “not a priority given COVID-19.”