The Broadcasting Commission is in the process of implementing new and modified policies in their effort to eliminate payola. Payola describes the unethical and illegal pay-for-play system of operating in broadcast media, particularly radio.
It has been in practice for a number of years and affects several parties, including artistes, producers, and record companies. With the practice of payola, airplay of some songs is usually purchased by the aforementioned parties, among others in the music industry. The practice of purchasing usually involves the exchange of money and or other important deliberations.
As a result, song ‘selections’ are played based on nepotism rather than on merit or quality. The Commission’s policies would necessitate broadcast media houses to prepare and keep for inspection, formal music sheets and music logs and to also have music or programme coordinator.
Dr.Hopeton Dunn, chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, says, “There appears to be insufficient monitoring and management of the music output or the gate-keeping function and so these regulations will help to encourage the sector to increase the monitoring, management, and documentation as a measure against this question of payola”.
At the same time, he tells us that payola “is a pervasive problem in the music industry and it is impacting on the broadcasting industry and has done so for a very long time. It is just now that we are determined to join forces with many people in the broadcasting houses, in the music industry and in the public policy area who want to do something about it”.
Nonetheless, even though regulations are in place for implementation, they won’t be able to be enforced with immediate effect as the process could take some time through the municipal system.
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