Feedback: Fines Are Not The Answer To Payola

Now that what most of us in the music business already knew has come to light, I hope all interested parties in the industry will come together to come up with a fair but lasting solution to the issue of airplay for all musicians big or small.

As an independent recording artist, I realize that payola will not be totally eradicated no matter how much legislation is passed. As long as there are people with bigger budgets than others, there will be a temptation for radio and TV to play songs by those who grease their palms.

As people with a common interest in the music business, let's start brain-storming ideas on how to fix a system that depends on imposing fines on companies that have huge budgets. Let's remember that those fines still do not give an independent musician a fair hearing. Proceeds from fines might be good for buying musical instruments for kids and supporting music programs in schools, but when those same kids are grown and want to pursue a music profession, they will have difficulties getting airplay.

Mongezi Ntaka

Bandleader, Mahala

Washington, D.C.