Q3 or anyone, since record companies are not allowed to use actual $$ to pay radio stations to play music, what would a current "deal" look like. Q3 was saying there is obviously a deal involved with the radio promo that's going on (not organic). I recall that an artist performance at a Jingle Ball or other event is common. What else do radio stations get in a deal?
They can offer special, early or exclusive access to an artist, or another artist on the label. (Content = audience = money)
We have already seen Adam doing interviews with one iHR station (Z100). We know other stations have interviews. I expect to see some kind of iHR Adam private concert. Something with Ryan Seacrest.
They can put together sweepstakes and contests, provide prizes for radio stations.
They can put together radio station showcase concerts/on air.
They can do a lot with online promotions.
They can buy advertising on the radio stations' websites or on iHR,
Totally not connected.
They can do anything EXCEPT pay for playing the song.
***
Setting that aside -- the most powerful deal is to have a great song from a hot artist -- and get it first in market. I think that some CC stations are going to get to play it on the night of the 20th.
***
New songs are always hyped before release -- Joe Blow's news song is his best ever! Just heard Sally D's new song, can't wait to play it for you. Etc. Something about the GT tweets feels a bit more real to me, but this is clearly a well-orchestrated, carefully managed promotion. And Clear Channel/iHR is the center of everything we are seeing in the US.
So far every station I recognize that has tweeted about GT is Clear Channel but I easily could have missed a non-CC channel.