MEDIA
CONTACT:
Michael Bracy: 202.429.8855
Jenny Toomey: 202.518.4117
Commercial Radio Station Ownership Consolidation
Shown to Harm Artists and the Public, Says FMC Study
Small Number of Gatekeepers Dominate Access to Critical
Public Resource
Detailed fact sheets on the report, the issue and state-by-state
data available here.
WASHINGTON - The unprecedented consolidation of the commercial
radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led
to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity
in radio programming in media markets across the country, according to
“Radio Deregulation: Has It Served Citizens and Musicians?”
a study released today by the Future of Music Coalition (FMC).
“Our report clearly demonstrates that the radical deregulation of
the radio industry has not benefited the public or musicians,” said
Jenny Toomey, executive director of the Future of Music Coalition. “Instead,
it has led to less competition, fewer viewpoints, and less diversity in
programming.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently commenced the
third biennial review of broadcast ownership rules and released a series
of studies to support its policy decisions. “The public deserves
a full debate about how consolidation has changed, and is changing, this
critical public resource,” said Michael Bracy, Director of Government
Relations of the Future of Music Coalition. “We are filing our study
today at the FCC as a public comment, and look forward to reading the
response from citizens and broadcasters alike.”
“Radio Deregulation: Has It
Served Citizens and Musicians?” utilizes industry data to demonstrate
that deregulation has failed to benefit both musicians, who rely on access
to radio to promote their music, and citizens. The FMC’s report has
found that, contrary to the claims of commercial broadcasters, radio consolidation
has had profound and negative effects on this democratic medium. Key findings
include:
Ten parent companies dominate the radio spectrum, radio listenership
and radio revenues. An industry traditionally local in nature is
now dominated by ten parent companies that control two thirds of both
listeners and revenue nationwide. Two parent companies – Clear
Channel and Viacom – control 42 percent of listeners and 45 percent
of industry revenues.
Oligopolies control almost every geographic market. In virtually
every local market, four or less firms control 70 percent of market
share or greater. In a majority of cases, these oligopolies include
one or more of the dominant national players. This has led directly
to a loss of localism, as independent station owners have difficulty
competing with the resources of huge conglomerates.
Virtually every music format is controlled by an oligopoly,
with four companies or fewer controlling over 50 percent of national
listeners in 28 of 32 formats according to three separate measures:
self-reported formats, BIA format categories and Radio and Records-based
categories. A very small number of gatekeepers control access to the
majority of listeners to specific formats.
Claims about increased format diversity are misleading. From
1996 to 2000 format variety – the average number of formats available
in a market – increased in both large and small markets. However,
format variety is not equivalent to true diversity in programming. Analysis
of music chart data in the report reveals considerable format homogeneity,
with many songs overlapping on various format playlists.
The state of commercial radio directly impacts musicians and citizens.
The consolidation of station management, coupled with industry trends
toward shorter play lists and streamlined program decision making, means
a very small number of “gatekeepers” control access to the public
airwaves. Since one of the five major labels release between 80 and 100
percent of songs on the charts, artists are often forced to balance their
hopes of gaining significant radio airplay against having to sign much-maligned
major label contracts and transferring their ownership and control of
their work over to their record company.
Consumer groups, unions, academic researchers and music-related organizations
applauded the release of the study. Author and media scholar John Nichols
said:
The Future of Music Coalition has exposed the extent to which concentration
of ownership and rank commercialism has denied the democratic promise
of radio. This is a breakthrough study that will be referenced for years
to come as the document that quantified a growing sense of unease with
what radio has become.
Ann Chaitovitz, National Director of Sound Recordings, American Federation
of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) said:
Royalty artists are a significant part of AFTRA’s membership,
and radio consolidation has harmed them. The FMC study has proven what
recording artists have known -- radio consolidation has resulted in
less variety of music being played on the radio, shorter playlists,
homogenization of playlists, and less local music being broadcast.
The report also serves as a cautionary tale for other media on the verge
of deregulation. Mark Wahl, Project Director, Center for Digital Democracy
said:
This report is a wake-up call, for the same FCC policies responsible
for radio’s decline into homogenous oligopoly are now being imposed
upon the high-speed Internet. If allowed to proceed, this radical deregulatory
agenda will result in the Clear Channelization of broadband, threatening
online openness and competition, reducing diversity of expression and
inhibiting democracy.
A collection of statements from other organizations and individuals including
Consumer Federation of America, Media Access Project, American Federation
of Musicians, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Artist
Empowerment Coalition and the Louisiana Music Commission is available
at http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/radiostudy.cfm
Results of a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by the
Behavior Research Center were released in May 2002. This survey found
widespread support for congressional action to hold the line on consolidation,
outlaw payola-like practices and expansion of community-based Low Power
radio stations. The complete survey is included in this report and is
available online at http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/radiosurvey.cfm
In addition to the morning’s press conference, at 2:00 PM FMC will
also host a live, 2-way teleconference via telephone to service interested
journalists who are unable to attend the Washington, DC briefing. Dial
1-800-247-5110, code 220033. An audio recording of the teleconference
will be available at within one hour of the call at: http://www.yourcall.com/real/players/mr111802.smil
.
The Future of Music Coalition is a nonprofit collaboration that identifies
and promotes technologies, policies and business models that can benefit
artists and citizens. In January 2003, the FMC will host its third annual
Future of Music Policy Summit, a three-day conference focusing on policy
issues of concern to musicians and citizens. Information about the conference
is available at http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/summit03/index.cfm.
FMC Announces Upcoming Events Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Washington, D.C. Policy Day and Policy Summit set for 2009.
August 5, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Commends FCC's Comcast Decision On August 1, the FCC ruled that Comcast violated net neutrality principles; the decision is a positive step in preserving the open internet. August 1, 2008
Public Enemy Frontman, Production Team and Insiders Discuss Landmark Album On July 17, FMC and Pitchfork Music Festival will host a free discussion about Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at Chicago's Cultural Center, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
July 8, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Files Brief to Protect Creative Expression
FMC and the Center for Creative Voices in Media filed a brief at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FCC's indecency policy has a chilling effect on creativity and expression and deprives the public of access to protected speech.
July 2, 2008 Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)
Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann & more "Rock the Net" on Compilation CD
Thirsty Ear Recordings to release album on July 29 to benefit FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality.
June 2, 2008 Press release | Rock the Net
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin's family and Future of Music Coalition's Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC's Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality; joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle's Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
