Cuts at Harry Fox after acquisition by SESAC

SESAC logos canvasSESAC may have bought out Harry Fox Agency, but it appears to be more invested in the technology than the people. As much as 30% of the staff at the mechanical licensing company will be let go. Sources told Billboard that about 20 staffers were cut last week, with 10 more expected to be let go after a transition period.

SESAC chairman and CEO John Josephson said that the company was eliminating the overlaps between the two groups of resources. “This staff adjustment will in no way affect the level of service delivered by HFA as we are committed to providing the same or higher service levels than our publisher clientele expect and which they have received in the past,” he said. He also promised a joint effort between SESAC and Harry Fox to offer a broader base of services for its licensing customers.

Harry Fox Agency is one of the few groups offering mechanical licensing services to U.S. performers. Loudr Licensing is one other, and Audiam’s IAMP division is a third.

Anna Washenko