New York's AG, Eliot Spitzer, has agreed to accept a $12M settlement from Universal Music Group as part of his ongoing payola investigations. In addition to the money, and other far-reaching reforms, UMG has promised to no longer buy expensive gifts for radio station personnel in exchange for airplay for UMG's artists, and artists on their affiliate labels. UMG used such tactics to secure airplay for Nick Lachey, Ashlee Simpson, Brian McKnight, Big Tymers, Lindsay Lohan and others. Billboard story.
The $12M will be paid as a charitable donation to New York State's not-for-profit music education and appreciation programs.
This is such an appropriate disposition of the monies, given the cutting off of all school music programs nation-wide. Personally, I owe a great deal to my first music teacher, Mrs. Beebee from New Zealand, who taught me so much about harmonic singing by making me listen to Maori recordings when I was about 10.
Many of our children are musically talented and need to be encouraged while they are in the school system.
Posted by: mewsical | May 12, 2006 at 07:29 PM
Another reason to vote for Spitzer for Governor (i'm in new york) - he seems like a good guy all around.
Posted by: MySpace Band Reviews | May 12, 2006 at 06:49 PM