As the British government paves the way for consolidation the radio industry here interesting developments in the US where Senator Russ Feingold officially launched his Competition in Radio and Concert Industries Bill earlier this week. The bill aims to put in place legislation which protects small and independent radio station owners and independent concert promoters by prohibiting anti-competitive practices in the radio and concert industries. A key target of the legislation seems to be Clear Channel whose combined radio and venue empire gives them an increasingly powerful position in the music industry which some reckon gives them the power to force independent radio stations and gig promoters out of business.
The launch of the bill's coincided with a meeting of the Senate Commerce Committee who had the problems of radio consolidation on their agenda. When he spoke about his planned bill at a ‘Future of Music Coalition Policy Summit’ earlier this month Feingold seemed confident that the chairman of that committee - Senator John McCain - would co-sponsor the bill.
Speaking to Billboard Feingold said: "Since originally introducing this legislation in June 2002, I have seen a groundswell of interest both in Congress and among artists, consumers, independent radio stations, and local promoters in restoring fairness to radio. My legislation will reduce concentration and crack down on anti-competitive practices, such as the new 'pay to play' system."