Court Narrative: Stations, Artists Need Each Other

Frank Bell

Of the many narratives coming out of the civil trial between singer Taylor Swift and former radio host David Mueller, one has slowly weaved its way throughout: The relationship between the radio station and the artist is an important one, and there is likely an imbalance of power, reports The Denver Post.

During his opening statements and through his line of questioning, Mueller’s attorney Gabe McFarland has depicted it as one where the popular megastar, such as Swift, holds the power over the station, which would scramble to keep the star in its good graces.

But the Swift team describes it another way. One where both the stars and their record labels have to work to get their music on the station’s airwaves.

With so many big names out there, there’s a lot of competition.

“For better or for worse, the radio stations have the power over the artists,” testified Frank Bell, who had 37 years in radio before going to work with Swift as her radio promotions manager. He is one of those being sued by Mueller in U.S. District Court in Denver.

Both sides need the other — the station for music and the artist for an outlet to fans. And the relationship between Swift and KYGO was temporarily put in a rough place.