The recent settlement with the top four radio properties has me wondering if Payola is still alive and well in the US. The record labels hold a lot of power in the music industry obviously and radio stations depend on the ability to play just about any song they need to whenever they need to with little to no royalties involved. However, the labels need the radio stations to play their music to expose the song, artist, album to the folks who will buy the CD or purchase it online.

While Payola was a significant problem/issue in the 50’s and 60’s, it seems like that activity would get sniffed out pretty quickly in the age of free flying information on the internet. One post somewhere about one DJ or song or label executive would cause a stir. I believe that we want to believe that the voice on the radio (hey Mr. DJ!) is doing what he/she digs to do and either we like it and listen or don’t. I think the online music community is strong enough and vocal enough to listen and respond to an un-truthfulness (sorry Mr. Colbert) like Payola.

My 2 bits.