NAB’s Big Lie: Radio Isn't Promoting Music

The Music-First Coalition responded to the WSJ article commenting that traditional radio isn't promoting artists and their music..but that playing the same songs over and over is self-serving radio's interests.   

In a website blog, Mthe Coalition asserts"

 “Faced with growing competition from digital alternatives, traditional broadcasters have managed to expand their listenership with an unlikely tactic: offering less variety than ever…listeners tend to stay tuned when they hear a familiar song, and tune out when they hear music they don't recognize.” 

Just like McDonalds knows customers will keep coming back for a consistent, recognizable, familiar product, the Clear Channels of the world have learned that they can keep ratings high if they don’t break much new ground or challenge their listeners to get to know new acts.   

So why does it matter?  

Big Radio defends its performance royalty loophole by claiming that AM/FM airplay is valuable “promotion” that helps new bands break through.  It has been selling this big lie to Congress to continue to avoid paying performers for the use of their songs for years, even though, as the WSJ has shown, Top 40 has to be dragged kicking and screaming to let a new act into the rotation.  

The reality is that the promotional value radio provides is to itself and its paid advertisers.

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