iHM Reaches FCC Settlement Over Event Discloures

iHeartMedia has agreed to overhaul its sponsorship disclosure practices following a U.S. senator’s complaint about alleged payola-style arrangements in which radio airplay was allegedly traded for free artist performances at company events.

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau adopted a consent decree Wednesday closing the investigation with no fine. Under the agreement, iHeart admits the factual findings but does not admit any legal violation. 

The company must appoint compliance officers, create a formal compliance plan, train relevant staff, implement new public disclosures for major events, and file regular reports with the FCC over the next three years.

Senator Blackburn

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sparked the probe with a January 2025 letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. She alleged that iHeart stations were offering artists increased airplay in exchange for performing free shows at company events, with the implicit threat of reduced airplay for those who declined.

Days after the complaint, the FCC issued an industry-wide enforcement advisory on the practice. 

Chairman Carr followed up directly with iHeart in February 2025, seeking information related to the iHeart Country Festival in Austin. iHeart responded that artists appeared for promotional value—likening short festival sets to movie trailers—and said airplay was never part of any arrangement. 

The Enforcement Bureau opened a formal inquiry in May 2025 and a supplemental inquiry in February 2026.The resulting consent decree requires iHeart to name a corporate compliance officer and market-level contacts within 30 days, develop a formal compliance plan within 60 days, and train employees who interact with artists, managers, and labels on sponsorship identification rules.

For flagship national events—including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, iHeartCountry Festival, and iHeart Podcast Awards—plus qualifying events in ten specific markets (Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Nashville, Omaha, Phoenix, Tampa, and Washington, DC), iHeart must publicly disclose:

• The artist lineup
• That performing may lead to a natural increase in airplay
• Whether the artist’s label or representatives helped cover appearance costs

Additional requirements include maintaining a compliance hotline, retaining documentation for at least three years, establishing whistleblower protections, and submitting compliance reports to the FCC at 120 days and then annually for the three-year term of the decree. 

The FCC will dismiss related third-party complaints and will not use the case to question iHeart’s basic qualifications to hold broadcast licenses.