Bill Virgin's Radio Beat - March 15, 2007

[radiofan]

On Radio: Independent music seeks more access to commercial radio

By BILL VIRGIN
P-I REPORTER

Independent record companies have long argued that their music is squeezed off the airwaves by too-cozy arrangements between major labels and big radio chains, and that listeners would welcome a broader array of music from less-familiar performers if only they had the opportunity to hear them.

They may be getting a chance to test that notion.

An agreement between the American Association of Independent Music and four major radio groups -- Clear Channel, Entercom, CBS and Citadel -- will provide the independents with 8,400 half-hour blocks of airtime. Three of the four radio groups -- Clear Channel, Entercom and CBS -- operate music stations in Seattle.

Independent labels are defined as those not owned or controlled by the four majors -- Sony BMG, Universal, Warner and EMI. Seattle-based Sub Pop is one of A2IM's members.

Exactly how the time will be divided up between stations is up to the radio companies, an A2IM spokeswoman says. What's to prevent a station from burying those blocks at a time when no one's listening? "It's a good-faith agreement," the spokeswoman says, although it does specify the music has to be aired between 6 a.m. and midnight.

The agreement is accompanied by "rules of engagement," which, among other things, says radio stations "should not be allowed to sell or barter access to its music programmers" and "shall not ask for or expect, either directly or indirectly, any quid pro quo to play music" in exchange for cash, prizes, local concert appearances or exclusive relationships with recording artists.

Those rules, as well as the agreement, are a response to several well-publicized lawsuits filed by then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (now governor) against major record labels and radio groups. Spitzer's suits contended that payments made by the labels to stations ostensibly for promotional purposes actually constituted "pay to play." News reports indicate the Federal Communications Commission is also preparing a settlement with the four major radio groups of its own payola investigation; that settlement is to include millions of dollars in fines.

Jason Hughes, owner of Seattle-based Sonic Boom Recordings, says the agreement might not have much of an impact on Seattle radio since "in this city radio is pretty supportive of smaller labels."

Hughes is speaking not just of non-commercial station KEXP-FM (90.3), which has developed a national reputation as a champion of independent music, but commercial outlets as well. KNDD-FM (107.7) "has been open to adding local bands," Hughes said, having put Seattle band The Long Winters on its playlist last year and being well ahead of national interest in such local bands as Harvey Danger and Death Cab for Cutie.

KMTT-FM (103.7), like KNDD an Entercom station, has played local artists such as Tim Seely and Carrie Akre, Hughes added.

Still, "Anything that helps local artists find an audience can't be bad," he said.

"Ideally I would like for it to make a difference" in helping bands to move from the college radio scene to commercial recognition, added Bekah Zietz, label manager for Seattle-based Suicide Squeeze, although it's unlikely to generate any overnight successes.

KEXP manager Tom Mara is not bothered by the prospect of commercial stations playing more of the acts that have been the mainstays of his station. "What we do is unique" in scouting out independent and emerging artists, including setting aside a portion of every hour specifically to Northwest artists, Mara said. By the time one of those bands or performers reaches the attention of commercial radio stations, "Hopefully we're already there, connecting them to their first audiences."

In other radio notes:


KEXP-FM is broadcasting from the SXSW Music festival this week. Among performances to be aired is The Stooges at 1 p.m. Friday.


Don Riggs' guests on "Introspect Northwest" at 7 a.m. Saturday on KPTK-AM (1090) and 7 a.m. Sunday on KMPS-FM (94.1) include U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert.


The Metropolitan Opera performs Gounod's "Faust" at 10:30 a.m. Saturday on KING-FM (98.1).


Deal's Number performs on "Sonarchy" at midnight Saturday on KEXP-FM.


The Sunday edition of Jim French's "Imagination Theatre," heard at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on KIXI-AM (880), includes a new Harry Nile mystery.


RADIO GUIDE

AM STATIONS
Freq. Format
KVI 570 Talk
KCIS 630 Christian
KIRO 710 News/Talk
KTTH 770 Talk
KGNW 820 Christian
KIXI 880 Nostalgic pop hits
KJR 950 Sports/Talk
KOMO 1000 News
KBLE 1050 Religious
KPTK 1090 Air America
KKNW 1150 News/Talk
KWMG 1210 Spanish
KKDZ 1250 Radio Disney
KKOL 1300 Talk
KKMO 1360 Spanish
KRKO 1380 Sports/Talk
KRIZ 1420 Classic soul/R&B
KXPA 1540 Spanish
KLFE 1590 Christian
KYIZ 1620 Urban contemporary
KDOW 1680 Spanish

FM STATIONS
KPLU 88.5 Jazz/News
KNHC 89.5 Top 40/Dance
KGRG 89.9 Alternative rock
KEXP 90.3 Alternative/ World music
KSER 90.7 Public affairs/Music
KBCS 91.3 Jazz/Folk/World
KQMV 92.5 Rhythmic hits
KUBE 93.3 Urban contemporary
KMPS 94.1 Country
KUOW 94.9 News/NPR
KJR 95.7 Classic rock hits
KJAQ 96.5 Rock/pop hits
KBSG 97.3 Oldies
KING 98.1 Classical
KWJZ 98.9 Smooth jazz
KISW 99.9 Rock
KKWF 100.7 Country
KPLZ 101.5 Adult contemporary
KZOK 102.5 Classic rock
KMTT 103.7 Adult alternative
KMIH 104.5 Contemporary hits
KFNK 104.9 Rock
KCMS 105.3 Contemporary Christian
KBKS 106.1 Contemporary hits
KRWM 106.9 Soft rock
KNDD 107.7 Alternative

P-I reporter Bill Virgin can be reached at 206-448-8319 or billvirgin@seattlepi.com.

Bill Virgin's Radio Beat, Thursdays in the Seattle P-I