In a February 15 letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, the Future of Music Coalition (FMC) expressed enthusiasm over recent reports that the Commission was investigating allegations that some radio station conglomerates have been engaging in payola. FMC urged the agency to complete this investigation before moving ahead with any rulemakings that would allow for further radio deregulation, or the granting of additional resources to commercial radio broadcasters during the transition to HD radio.

"The payola laws are clear," said FMC's executive director, Jenny Toomey. "Stations that engage in this practice are putting their licenses at risk. What is unclear for musicians and citizens, however, is whether the laws will be enforced. We hope that the FCC will take the evidence gathered in numerous proceedings and by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer to fully investigate these practices and hold bad actors accountable."