The Association Of Independent Music has issued a statement congratulating its US counterpart regarding the previously reported agreement it has reached with the major American radio networks regarding the ways they deal with music companies.
As previously reported, the American Association Of Independent Music has agreed eight 'rules of engagement' with the US's four biggest radio firms - Clear Channel Communications, CBS Radio, Entercom Communications and Citadel Broadcasting - as part of their settlement with media regulator the FCC regarding the past use of payola practices where major record companies got priority airplay in return for providing incentives to station managers. Assuming the broadcasters follow them, the rules should give smaller independent record labels better access to programmers at the big radio networks, and ensure they aren't blocked from airplay because they cannot afford to offer big promotions or competition prizes to the stations. A separate deal between the FCC and the radio firms will also see air time set aside specifically for independent and local artists.
Welcoming the deals, AIM boss Alison Wenham, who is also president of the World Independent Network, told CMU: "It is great news for A2IM and the US independent community. They have shown their ability to positively influence US market conditions. Having said that, it must be also be said that radio is in a parlous state in the US, and listeners want more colour, range and diversity. Hopefully this agreement will go some way towards delivering better playlists".