BIGSOUND: Michael Chugg Labels Radio Quota ‘Bullshit’

Veteran promoter and now label head Michael Chugg has slammed the Australian music quota for commercial radio stations today, saying that they are standing in the way of Australian artists.

Speaking at the BIGSOUND industry showcase and conference, Chugg – who toned down his notoriously colourful language as the panel was being recorded for ABC radio – admitted that he'd like to have his artists played on commercial radio but their local music quota allowed them to favour international acts.

“The quota's far too low and they take advantage of late night… running tracks from midnight to dawn. They'll deny it, but it's true,” he said.

“It's bullshit, and it's holding the industry back.”

The local music quota has long been a sticking point for the industry, and is once again gaining momentum. Last month the Phonographic Performance Company Of Australia claimed a victory over commercial radio, by winning a court case over the royalty payments to artists and labels for online streaming radio.

Sounds Australia's Millie Millgate, who was also on the panel – based on the future of Australian music – said that community radio was doing a lot of the legwork in developing emerging local artists.

“In terms of developing and breaking artists, that's where it's starting,” she said.

Chugg agreed, saying that “Hopefully the new Government won't throw away the achievements made by Sounds Australia and other companies in the recent years.”

He also forecast that “digital radio will be a serious weapon in the future if I have anything to do with it.”