Federal Communications Commission                         FCC 07-28
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE
Re: CBS Radio, Inc., File No. EB-06-IH-1109, Order
Re:  Citadel Broadcasting Corporation, File No. EB-06-IH-1108, Order 
Re:  Clear Channel Communications, Inc., File Nos. EB-05-IH-0059, EB-05-IH-0144, Order
Re: Entercom Communications Corp., File No. EB-05-IH-0033, Order 
Coming to the Commission, as I do, from Nashville, Tennessee – home to more than 80 record 
labels, 180 recording studios, and some 5,000 working union musicians – I have been particularly 
concerned by allegations that payola, or “pay for play,” practices are prevalent in the commercial 
radio industry.  I am pleased that, in consideration of the conclusion of our investigation into 
these allegations, each of the four companies has agreed to make significant contributions to the 
U.S. Treasury and committed to implement consequential business reforms to ensure full 
compliance with our rules.
Artists and radio listeners should be even more pleased, however, by the voluntary, private 
agreement crafted by the companies and the American Association for Independent Music, a 
trade organization representing the independent music sector.  Pursuant to this creative accord, 
born of good faith negotiations, the companies have agreed in principle to basic guidelines, “rules 
of the road” covering future interaction between their stations and record labels, which 
concentrate on equal access and transparency.  They have also committed to provide 8,400 half-
hour blocks of airtime to independent music, to the benefit of all.  I challenge other radio 
companies to follow their example.