Payola Rulez!

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The Federal Communications Commission added a web page outlining the restrictions against pay-for-broadcast arrangements and explaining how individuals can report suspected payola. The move happened as "the agency comes under growing pressure to investigate stealth product promotions on television and radio shows," notes the Los Angeles Times. FCC Commissioner Adelstein compared the effort to a Neighborhood Watch program and said, "The American people have a right to know who is promoting a product, policy or message to them." FCC Chair Martin pointed out that complaints are necessary to launch an investigation. Although the last FCC enforcement on payola was five years ago, recent news reports have exposed pundits receiving funds from the Bush administration and consumer "experts" promoting the products of companies that have paid them.