SonyBMG have appointed one of its legal team to the new post of Compliance Officer. Gil Aronow will be charged with the task of ensuring the major record company complies with its agreement with New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer regarding its promotional practices.
As previously reported, earlier this year SonyBMG admitted that some of its promotions staff had used dodgy payola type tactics (bribery basically) to ensure its artists got air time on certain US radio stations - a practice not allowed by US law. The practices came to light following Spitzer's investigation into payola allegations, and the major made a deal with the Attorney General in a bid to demonstrate that it would not allow payola activity to continue. Aronow's appointment is part of that deal.
Confirming the appointment, SonyBMG said in an internal statement: "As most of you are aware, SonyBMG has entered into an agreement with the New York State Attorney General's Office regarding the company's promotions practices. In fulfillment of our obligations under that agreement, we have named Gil Aronow, a Vice President in the SonyBMG Law Department, to the newly created post of Compliance Officer. In this role, Gil will be responsible for ensuring that the Company operates in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and maintains the highest possible standards and practices. Gil will report to senior management, to the SonyBMG Board of Directors and to the Attorney General's Office concerning the Company's compliance. Gil's extensive background in the law and the business of music and television, as well as his proven good judgment, make him the ideal choice for this position".
The major is also issuing Standards of Conduct for Promotion to make it 100% clear to everyone working in the company what kinds of promotional activity are not acceptable under their agreement with the Attorney General's office.