The FCC has launched an official investigation into radio stations potentially requiring artists to perform free concerts in exchange for airplay, following concerns raised by Senator Marsha Blackburn in a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

Traditional payola - paying for radio airplay without disclosure - is illegal in the United States. However, radio stations have allegedly found a workaround by pressuring artists to perform at "free radio shows," "listener appreciation shows," or "charitable concert events."

According to Senator Blackburn, this practice affects artists at all career stages, with performers typically doing 10-50 such shows annually. New artists often face pressure to perform even more frequently.

FCC Chairman Carr has directed the agency's Enforcement Bureau to examine these claims, with updates expected soon.

Meanwhile, the American Music Fairness Act has gained renewed bipartisan support. The bill addresses a unique situation in U.S. broadcasting where AM/FM radio stations only pay royalties for musical compositions, not recordings - unlike most other countries.

This arrangement dates back to radio's era as a primary hitmaker, when labels would pay for airplay. Despite significant changes in the music industry since then, broadcasters have successfully maintained this system by opposing previous versions of the Act and supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act instead.

The bill's success now depends on whether its current bipartisan backing can overcome traditional industry resistance and lead to its passage into law.

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