WASHINGTON – Today a “Joint Statement on Current Issues in Radio” was delivered to the Federal Communications Commission and congressional leaders by four organizations: the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA); American Federation of Musicians (AFM); the Future of Music Coalition (FMC); and the Recording Artists’ Coalition (RAC).

The “Joint Statement on Current Issues in Radio” was also signed by six other groups: Artist Empowerment Coalition (AEC); Association for Independent Music (AFIM); Just Plain Folks Music Organization (JPF); Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI); National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM); and the Music Managers Forum (MMF).

In the statement, the organizations expressed gratitude that some of the issues of media ownership, payola and vertical integration first highlighted in a May 2002 letter have received more attention from Congress, the FCC and by the radio industry itself.

However, the organizations also expressed their continued concern about the problems that are caused or exacerbated by radio ownership consolidation and vertical integration in the radio industry. The organizations reiterated their call on the FCC and Congress to investigate such issues as vertical integration of radio ownership, payola, radio ownership consolidation and low power radio, to ensure that radio serves the public interest.

Representatives from AFTRA, AFM, and FMC further clarified why this statement is an important development:

John Connolly, National President, AFTRA:

The escalating vertical and horizontal consolidation of radio station ownership has harmed recording artists, from the freshest innovators to the most accomplished veteran stars – AFTRA members all. As a result of the homogeneous and limited playlists that have emerged with concentrated radio station ownership, fewer artists are able to receive airplay and reach an audience. Because these same media conglomerates also own concert venues and concert promotion companies, it can’t help but create a modern version of payola — radio station owners forcing artists to be represented by their promoters and perform in their venues or run the risk of being shut out of certain key markets entirely or negatively impact the artist’s airtime across the country. This monopolistic structure severely impacts the ability of artists to succeed and also harms the public – we have access to less music with less diversity, and the music we hear is selected based on crass commercial promotional considerations rather than quality or performer artistry.

Thomas F. Lee, International President, AFM:

It’s bad for musicians and bad for the public when a few large radio owners can pressure performers to use promoters and venues that they control, force artists to pay independent promotion fees in order to get airplay, and homogenize radio playlists around the country. The AFM and the music community continue to insist that the radio waves belong to the public, and to demand that Congress and the FCC ensure that radio serves the public interest.

Michael Bracy, Director, Government Relations, FMC:

Congressional leaders and many at the FCC now recognize that radio consolidation has led to homogenous playlists, fewer local voices and, in extreme cases, payola and blatant censorship. Now that policymakers and the public understand the dangers of concentration, the music community will continue to push for reform of commercial radio as it exists today, while expanding non-commercial opportunities across the country. We also must be vigilant in applying the lessons of radio consolidation to broader debates about media ownership and emerging new technologies.

# # #

CONTACTS:
AFTRA: Jayne Wallace, (212) 532-0800
AFM: Patricia Polach, (202) 842-2600
FMC: Michael Bracy, (202) 429-8855

read statement