Payola at Universal.(New Business)(exeuctive fired from Universal Music says firm engages in illegal practice)(Brief Article)

Universal Music in August fired executive Jorge Avila after he said that the company earmarked 2 to 4 million pesos monthly as "payola."

"Pay-for-play" occurs when record labels offer radio stations money to play certain artists. The more they are played, the more the station gets paid. The practice, which has long been a part of the promoters' handbook, is illegal in Mexico.

Universal is currently experiencing financial troubles, despite a stable of artists that includes Paulina Rubio and Enrique Iglesias, right. Avila said the high-powered label would have to cut back on certain expenditures--payola being one of them.

Humberto Calderon, the …