If a radio station makes falsifiable statements regarding its playlist (such as representations that the songs were ‘best-selling’), then the potential harm in payola (paying the station to play a song) is apparent. If a radio station makes vague statements regarding its playlist (‘today’s sounds’), then payola may be culturally undesirable, but the actionable harm not as apparent.
Discuss.
Background: NPR podcast entitled “What’s Wrong With Payola?” Also, NY AG statement on last week’s payola settlement.