Quota 90

Quota 90 was a system implemented in Italy in the early to mid 1980s to protect Italian pop music. The system mandated that Italian radio stations dedicate a significant portion of their airtime, specifically 90%, to Italian-language music. The aim was to bolster the domestic music industry and promote Italian culture in the face of increasing influence from foreign, primarily English-language, music.

The specifics of the regulation varied slightly over time, but the core principle remained: a large percentage of songs broadcast had to be sung in Italian. This had a considerable impact on the Italian music scene, creating opportunities for Italian artists and bands who might have otherwise struggled to gain exposure. It also sparked considerable debate, with some arguing that it stifled creativity and limited listener choice, effectively creating an artificial market. Critics contended that the regulation protected mediocrity and prevented Italian artists from competing effectively on the international stage.

The Quota 90 system faced numerous challenges and was eventually relaxed and then abolished. While its long-term effects are debated, it remains a significant chapter in the history of Italian music and media regulation. The period is often remembered nostalgically by some for the surge in Italian pop music that it fostered.