More on the move by US senators to introduce laws to prevent companies abusing their dominance in the radio and live music industries – legislation essentially targeted at the booming Clear Channel empire. Senator Russ Feingold, the man behind the proposed legislation, told the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday that Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission should investigate Clear Channel over allegations they implemented an illegal "pay for play" scheme and that they denied airplay to artists who did not agree to play in their venues.
Some senators, mainly Republicans, argued that the current level of regulation in the radio sector allowed positive market competition, and that complaints of unfair activities by key players were just ‘sour grapes’ by artists who didn’t get played. Meanwhile Clear Channel chairman Lowry Mays told the committee "We have zero tolerance for pay-for-play."
The debate will continue as Feingold reintroduces his proposed legislation in the next couple of months.