Episode Details
Back to Episodes
FCC Targets iHeartMedia’s Festival Practices | Hip-Hop News
Description
The FCC just slapped iHeartMedia with a major new rule after investigating their “showola” tactics—essentially using festivals to lure artists with little or no pay in exchange for promised radio airplay. Triggered by Senator Marsha Blackburn’s January 2025 complaint, the probe focused on iHeart’s Country Festival in Austin, where artists allegedly faced pressure to perform for exposure. While iHeart claimed artists signed up for the exposure, not airplay promises, the FCC demanded sweeping changes: a 60-day compliance plan requiring oversight, annual reporting, staff training, and whistleblower channels. No fines, but the new rules apply to all iHeart live events for three years—keeping the FCC watching closely.
Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/5379cda7c6d00366