Spitzer Keeps the Music Execs Spinning

We knew there was some devious reason John Mayer’s “Daughters” topped the charts. That song managed to be both cheesy and creepy at the same time. This morning, New York’s illustrious Attorney General Eliot Spitzer subpoenaed nine major radio conglomerates for their role in this crime against music.

Buying airplay has been illegal since the 1960, when a federal law was put into place to ban the rampant practice of “payola” (pay plus Victrola, an incredible musical technology we hear is coming back into style.) While the DJs of yesteryear usually received cash (Ed. note: or cocaine), today’s bribes include “airfare, electronics, iPods, tickets to top sporting events and concerts; as well as payments to radio stations for expenses and for use in contests.” FYI, we plan on starting a radio show in the near future and are still lusting after a black Nano.

The companies targeted in the probe are Clear Channel Communications, Infinity (now CBS Radio), Citadel Broadcasting, Cox Radio, Cumulus Broadcasting, Pamal Broadcasting, Entercom Communications, Emmis Communications, and ABC. A similar investigation in 2005 focused on recording companies, resulting in Warner and Sony BMG settling for millions. Hopefully only KUT and Misra will be left standing after Spitzer is done unleashing his legal fury.

* image from flickr