CBC: Spitzer says FCC 'undermining' payola probe

[Newsjock]

http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2006/04/03/payola-probe.html

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has accused federal regulators of going behind his back and undermining his settlement negotiations in the "payola" scandal.

The scandal involves radio companies receiving payments from recording companies in exchange for airing music by their artists. Payola is a form of bribery and violates radio stations' federal licences.

According to Spitzer, the Federal Communications Commission is talking directly to radio companies over possible settlement figures for their offences – settlements that are substantially lower than the amounts Spitzer himself is putting forward.

The attorney general claims the FCC is working against him. "We have asked them several times to participate and they have not only not done that, but they are now furtively going out there negotiating behind our backs," he told the Associated Press.

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[boobooday]

1. Payola has become institutionalized

Through "indie" promoters. The biggest one is mostly owned by Clear Channel. I believe it is called "Tri State."

This is why we hear the same 12 songs over and over again, all day, on commercial radio.

[EST]

2. Can Spitzer take on the FCC?

That's an outfit that needs housecleaning and airing out.

[MadMaddie]

3. All of the Federal Organizations need to have house cleaning..

[WhiteTara]

4. Elliot Spitzer, Another American Hero

:patriot:

[EFerrari]

5. Today he said about Republicans: "Never have so many done so much

for so few who needed it so little." :)

[WhiteTara]

6. that is great!

I must remember that line. Thanks :)

[troubleinwinter]

9. He has said it as early as Oct., 2004

and has said it often, WITH the party's name in the statement.

“I say of the Republican Party, no party has done so much for so few who need so little."

[Trillo]

7. K & R (n/t)

[DLnyc]

8. I heard candidates speak for NY AG

They all talked about how they would try to measure up to Spitzer (who will be governor, if he can beat Deibold).