The American Association of Independent Music (
A2IM) and the Future of Music Coalition (
FMC) have released the results of a study they conducted regarding the progress toward compliance with the 2007
FCC Consent Decree and Rules of Engagement. Stemming from Elliot Spitzer?s high-profile payola investigation, the
FCC in 2007 signed agreements with four major commercial radio broadcasters (
CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Entercom and Citadel) that was designed to increase the representation of independent music on commercial radio. Around the same time, the independent music community, led by
A2IM and the
FMC, signed a separate “Rules Of Engagement” agreement with the radio chains promising to play more local and independent artists.