Radio stations receive their transmission signals from towers.
The Federal Communications Communication, or FCC, is a government agency that issues licenses and regulates the communications industry, including radio. Because of licensing requirements, radio stations must adhere to FCC regulations regarding songs and play lists. Although regulations can make it difficult for independent artists to receive air play for their songs, newer regulations are providing additional ways for the FCC to regulate independent music.
Radio Stations and Payola
Payola is a term used to describe the exchange of money, services or gifts by a record company or an affiliated independent promotion company. Before the 1960s, payola was prevalent in the radio and music industries. To remain within regulations, each industry has turned to alternative methods. For example, independent promotion companies are now hired by record companies to place their songs on radio. In turn, radio stations may provide an additional service such as providing a play list of new songs to the promotion company.
Independent record companies and musicians--under increased pressure to reach the audiences of major labels and artists without the capital to hire an independent promotion company--often contact radio stations directly. However, FCC law prohibits radio stations from playing "songs-for-hire" (songs that record companies pay to have played) without an announcement of sponsorship by the radio station. Under FCC law, radio stations that play independent songs (or major label songs) after being paid are subject to felony charges that may include fines, imprisonment and a revocation of their license.
College Radio Stations
Because of the difficulty in getting their songs added to mainstream radio stations, many independent artists turn to college radio stations to help promote their music. However, the FCC also regulates college radio stations. Consequently, independent songs that could never be broadcast on mainstream radio because of FCC censorship laws can no longer be broadcast on college radio stations. Regarding college radio stations, the FCC stipulates the following: Songs with obscene or vulgar language can never be broadcast and songs with explicit sexual content must be played after 10 p.m. when children are likely to be asleep.
Low-Power FM Radio Stations
Low-power FM radio stations, with lighter wattage than standard FM stations, are licensed by the FCC to provide commercial-free programming. Because these stations are noncommercial, they are more amenable to playing the songs of independent artists and musicians. The Local Radio Community Act of 2009 has allowed the FCC to license more low-power FM radio stations. However, these stations must receive licenses to play independent music. Additionally, they must adhere to the same regulations of standard radio stations and college radio stations regarding payola and censorship.
