Who pays for music videos to be aired on television Do cable networks or is it the artist and label that pay the networks to air it?

Answer 1

I'm not an expert in the field, but it will be governed by contractual agreement. If there is a new upcoming artists a record label (representing the artists) may approach a cable network and offer the music video to be aired at a discounted, or a low fee. This will give the artist exposure, on which hopefully record sales will follow. On the other hand, a cable network or radio station would want to air well known popular artists, as this will attract listeners and viewers, and in between they will air advertisements. This advertising time are paid for by the companies selling the respective product. The cable networks have keep a register of what they play and when and pay over the respective royalties to the record publishing agent. This is one reason why a radio DJ can't just play what they want. They have to keep to the playlist that was set up by the producer. If they don't the network will pay over royalties incorrectly which could lead to lawsuits.

Record labels also have publishing agents that monitors what is playing on every radio station and television network. Yes, some people are paid to watch television and listen to radio all day long. They will in turn report to the record label, who should be paying them what in royalties