The Federal Communications Commission on Monday said it would follow New York state attorney general Eliot Spitzer's lead and launch its own investigation into improper payments in the music industry.

Kevin Martin, who was named chairman of the media and telecoms regulator this year, said he was “very concerned” about the activities that led Mr Spitzer's probe into Sony BMG and other music groups following allegations the companies gave gifts and payments to radio stations in return for “airplay” for their songs.