On the heels of Clear Channel Entertainment's decision to cut its ties with independent promoters,
Thomas F. Lee, president, American Federation Of Musicians, issued the following statement:
"Clear Channel's April 9, 2003 announcement to eliminate 'independent producers' is
a welcome first step in addressing the concerns of the citizens of this country," said Lee. "Owners of radio stations must accept that the public owns the air waves. Therefore, the public interest must become a priority when decisions are made about programming. 'Pay for play' is wrong and hurts the artists as well as those citizens who love jazz, classical and other genres of music that currently receive little air play."
