wot's a little payola?

[scritti]

stay tuned...this could get riiiil dirty,and can explain why the radio has been sucking hard so far.

Radio Companies Subpoenaed
In New York Payola Probe

Reuters reports today that three broadcast groups in New York state have received subpoenas in connection with NY Attorney General Elliot Spitzer's ongoing probe of the link between independent promoters and radio stations.

Reuters says Clear Channel and Entercom have confirmed receiving subpoenas, while officials at Viacom's Infinity Broadcasting have declined comment on reports Infinity was also served papers. It has been reported previously that an Infinity Operations Director in Rochester and an Entercom PD in Buffalo have been terminated since the Spitzer probe began last year.

In a statement, Clear Channel said, "Clear Channel has received a subpoena from the New York Attorney General's office and is cooperating fully with the investigation into the industry's use of independent promoters and associated allegations of 'pay for play'. In April 2003, Clear Channel voluntarily severed all ties with independent promoters to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and we are confident the investigation will show the company is in full compliance with the law.

Meanwhile, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Feder quotes Clear Channel/Chicago Market Manager John Gehron, who says Gospel WGRB-AM PD Sandra Robinson was terminated Thursday. Feder reports that insiders suggest payments were made to guarantee airplay. The article notes that Robinson's husband, Nelson Robinson, is an independent promoter for Connected Productions, which promotes gospel acts.

"Payola is absolutely prohibited, and we have strict enforcement policies to prevent it," said Gehron. "We take these matters very seriously and have terminated the employee in question."

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