Final answer:
True, the practice of bribing DJs, known as 'payola', was common in the 1950s to secure airplay for artists' music on radio. This led to government scrutiny and regulation. Payola underscored the radio's influence in shaping music popularity and industry practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: During the 1950s, it was indeed common for groups, artists, and record labels to bribe radio DJs to get their music played on the radio. This practice was known as 'payola' and became quite infamous as it represented a form of commercial bribery. Radio was a dominant form of entertainment, and getting airplay was crucial for success in the music industry. By controlling what got played over the airwaves, record labels could dramatically influence music tastes and trends. This effectively made certain artists popular while keeping others in obscurity. The federal government eventually investigated these practices, leading to regulatory changes and enhanced enforcement against such bribes.
The rise of radio networks such as NBC, CBS, and ABC, contributed to radio's far-reaching influence. With the majority of American households owning a radio by the late 1930s, this medium held immense power over public opinion and was central to the diffusion of new musical genres, such as rock and roll. It's within this context that the payola scandal arose, drawing attention to the darker aspects of the music industry's relationship with radio. By the time we reach the 1980s, issues around the music industry shifted toward concerns over explicit lyrics and content labelling, reflecting ongoing debates about industry practices and consumer protection. Meanwhile, radio maintained its role as a powerful tool for information dissemination and entertainment.