Articles by Bryan Farrish

176

In The Biz

Payola: How Stations React If You Try To Pay Them

by Bryan Farrish
February 9, 2003

Let's say you are grassroots artist, or a small indie, or even a small-medium label, and up until now you've done no radio (or, you've always had someone else take care of it for you.) Now, you've decided that since you understand payola, you are going to spend some money and try to handle the promotion yourself, legally. You tell yourself that you are going to contact the PD at three or four major-market stations near you, and set up ...

165

In The Biz

Payola: Legal Definitions

by Bryan Farrish
January 21, 2003

Now let's cover what payola actually is and isn't. First of all, there is no such thing as “legal payola," just like there is no such thing as “legal theft." An activity is either illegal payola, or it is legal. The grand rule that governs the whole thing is section 317 in the Code of Federal Regulations... 40 FCC 317 reads: “All matter broadcast by any radio station for which any money, service or other valuable consideration is ...