Spitzer Subpoenas Big Three

Clear Channel has confirmed that it has received a subpoena from Eliot Spitzer, as part of the New York State Attorney General's investigation into allegations of payola in the radio industry. In a statement, the company said it is "cooperating fully with [Spitzer's] investigation into the industry's use of independent promoters and associated allegations of 'pay for play.'"

In the statement, Clear Channel also noted how it severed ties with independent promoters in April 2003 "to avoid even the appearance of impropriety," and expressed confidence that "the investigation will show the company is in full compliance with the law."

Clear Channel isn't the only company to be subpoenaed as part of the investigation. Reuters reports that both Entercom and Infinity have also received subpoenas. Contacted by Billboard Radio Monitor, Infinity declined to comment on the report and officials at Entercom weren't immediately available to comment.

All three companies have recently terminated programmers over allegations of improper relationships with record companies.