iHeartMedia has agreed to a consent decree with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), bringing to a close the regulator's investigation into so-called "payola" and "showola" practices. The FCC announced the agreement on Thursday, resolving a probe it opened last year into claims that the radio conglomerate gave artists increased airplay in exchange for their performing at iHeart's concerts and music festivals. The outcome matters because it sets out new compliance and transparency obligations for one of America's largest broadcasters, while sidestepping the cost of a prolonged inquiry.

iHeart has denied wrongdoing throughout, telling the FCC that musicians appear at its events for promotional value rather than extra airplay, and that it takes its obligations under sponsorship-identification and federal payola laws seriously. The decree carries no fines or fees and will expire three years after its effective date. Its main requirement is a compliance plan, to be drawn up within 60 days, featuring annual reports, disclosure of an anti-payola policy to artists, and further disclosures about performers at iHeart events. The FCC said both sides opted to settle because continued investigation would be time-consuming and costly, with chairman Brendan Carr stating the deal adds protections ensuring artists get "a fair shake".