Spitzer Attacks Payola

Looks like legal crusader Eliot Spitzer has the RIAA back in his sights… this time he’s investigating the practice of greasing station playlist through indie promoters. Feels a little late, though. Because we’re moving to the practice of infomercial-style ads on radio anyway, how long will it be before bought-and-sold playlist slots are simply disclosed in a discreet fashion? And it’s not going to make a difference — in today’s market, radio airplay alone is still ineffective at growing an audience for emerging artists. It’s primarily a symptom of success, not a cause.