Television
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Radio is the oldest, most popular electronic medium, which was introduced read moreSubscriber Television
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The pay-for-play system of operating in broadcast media, especially radio, has been as constant as the music industry itself. Now the Broadcasting Commission is doing its part to crack down on the problem by putting in place new and revised regulations. Payola is a criminal offence that has been practised in Jamaica for many years, where airplay is 'bought' by producers, artistes and record companies. According to www.elr.lls.edu, "payola refers to the music industry practice of exchanging money or other valuable consideration for increased exposure or promotion of a particular piece of music". Radio is a powerful medium through which artistes can expose their music to the public, outside of dances and the actual copies of their CDs. Often airplay makes listeners more interested in an artiste and his or her music. However, every day the airwaves are bombarded by songs which are not played based on quality, but because the airtime was bought in cash or kind. At the same time, quality songs are stifled by lack of or minimal airplay. According to a release sent by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), the Broadcasting Commission Jamaica is doing its best to eliminate payola. The commission is attempting to implement regulations that would require broadcast media houses to keep and have ready for inspection formal music sheets and music logs and to also have a music or programme coordinator.
Old pirates yes they rob I.Robert Nesta Marley
The Broadcasting Commission
5th Floor, Victoria Mutual Building
53 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5
Jamaica WI
Telephone: 876-920-9537-9
929-1998, 618-0876-8
Toll Free: 1-888-99- CABLE (22253)
Facsimile: 876-929-1997
Email: info@broadcom.org
