FCC, IHeart and Payola

FCC Probes iHeartMedia Following Accusations of Payola Law Violations
The Federal Communications Commission has warned radio station owners that it is cracking down on what it describes as “payola” practices. In a letter sent Monday to iHeartMedia CEO Robert Pittman, FCC chairman Brendan Carr says the FCC is scrutinizing the company’s activity particularly around the live music events it hosts throughout the year.
Trump’s FCC Is Investigating Music Industry Payola Claims
Lester Holt, the NBC News anchor known for his ability to lead hours of breaking news coverage without pause, is finally ready for a breather. The NBC News veteran plans to step away in early summer from his anchor duties on “NBC Nightly News,” which he has held since 2015. After that, he plans to …
iHeartCountry Festival Comes Under Scrutiny by FCC in Payola Investigation
The iHeartCountry Festival is being scrutinized in an FCC payola investigation into whether radio stations are exchanging airplay for free shows.
Trump's New FCC Chair Investigates iHeartMedia for Possible 'Payola' Violations
The Federal Communications Commission is asking iHeartMedia to prove it isn't making music artists perform without full compensation in exchange for better radio airplay, a possible violation of U.S.
FEC: No Violations in iHeart Contributions to Pro-Cruz PAC
The Federal Election Commission has dismissed a complaint that alleged iHeartMedia’s nearly $1 million in podcast-related contributions to a super PAC supporting Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) violated federal campaign finance laws.
FCC Launches Probe Into iHeartMedia’s Alleged Payola Practices
The FCC has launched a probe into whether iHeartMedia violates “payola” laws by using radio airplay as leverage booking artists at its annual country festival.
Charlamagne Tha God, iHeartMedia Announce 2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival Lineup
Radio host, podcaster and entrepreneur Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia announced the third annual Black Effect Podcast ...
iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar Partner to Establish Regional Podcasting Hub
DOHA, Qatar, February 24, 2025--iHeartMedia, the leading global podcast network, and the Government Communications Office of ...
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FCC Chairman Questions iHeart About Artist Compensation at Music Festivals
Brandan Carr has sent a letter to iHeartMedia asking pointed questions on how the broadcaster is procuring talent for its ...
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iHeartMedia and Qatar Form MENA Podcast Partnership
HeartMedia has signed a multi-year partnership with the Government of Qatar to create “a thriving podcasting industry.” ...
iHeartMedia and MOPOP Presents: Empower Her, Acknowledge Her, Celebrate Her on March 5
The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), in collaboration with iHeartMedia, is proud to present Empower Her, Acknowledge Her, Celebrate Her: International Women’s Day, taking place on Wednesday, March 5, ...
GCO Establishes Podcasting Hub For Mena Region
The Government Communications Office (GCO) and iHeartMedia, the leading global podcast network, have signed a groundbreaking ...
Kentucky Sports Radio scores new deal
Kentucky Sports Radio, the popular Kentucky Wildcats local radio show and sports podcast hosted by Matt Jones, has announced ...
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Jessica Fuller Steps Into Senior VP Role at iHeart Asheville
HeartMedia Asheville has promoted Jessica Fuller to Senior Vice President of Sales across its seven stations in the cluster.