A bill to make payments to artists from radios stations legal. And payola is illegal why?
If you look at the ties between Big Media entities (Good Morning America on ABC promoting Disney-Corp films and albums, for example) without disclosing their commerical interest is also a violation. The FCC never speaks up. There are never congressional hearings.
If Warner Music wanted to sponsor a 2 hour weekly radio broadcast (or have a WB series of stations from coast to coast) there would be no infraction provided they made repeated announcement to the audience that it was bought time or company owned.
Artists like Chris Isaak have said that they believe it would be much better for their careers if the industry DID do this because the label could keep current albums in guaranteed rotation and promote. Longevity of a song would still depend on public acceptance.