U-S Senator Wants FCC To Look Into 'Listener Appreciation Shows'

Listener Appreciation Shows may face scrutiny

U-S Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent a letter Friday alerting the FCC chairman to what she calls a "forced quid pro quo" being used to exploit Tennessee songwriters.

According to WBIR-TV in Knoxville, the Tennessee lawmaker claims radio stations and other networks are offering songwriters more air time if they perform "listener appreciation shows" or "charitable concert events." 

Federal law prohibits TV and radio stations from accepting payment for airtime without disclosing the transaction. The practice of doing so is called "payola," which is considered a violation of the Federal Communications Act.

"From what we have learned, it appears that to sidestep these restrictions, radio stations and networks have adopted a troubling new tactic," Blackburn wrote. "Instead of demanding cash or lavish perks from record labels in exchange for airplay, they now pressure artists to perform 'free radio shows'— also referred to as 'listener appreciation shows' or 'charitable concert events.' We have heard the new scheme works in this manner: radio stations and networks offer more airtime for an artist’s songs if the artist performs a free show.”  

Listen Appreciations Shows may face scrutiny

Blackburn further claimed there is an implication that if the artist declines doing a performance, their airplay would be reduced.

"This forced quid pro quo applies to essentially all artists, regardless of their level of success," she explained. "Artists in the industry have told me that it is not unusual for them to perform anywhere from 10 to 50 such shows in any given year. Those just starting out in their career will often perform more, while those that have had more success will have to perform fewer, but they will still be expected to do them."

Blackburn told FCC Chairman Brendan Carr the practice is "exploitative" and "should not be tolerated." She asked the chairman to take "swift action" to end the practice.