All about copyright, understanding music licensing, and government regulations.
Dozens of Swedish songwriters signed an OpEd in Aftonbladet, a leading Swedish newspaper, complaining of low royalty payouts from streaming services compared to royalties collected by record labels, and predicted an imploding industry if a different balance is not created. Spotify is a target, but record labels get more heat. Continue Reading
A lawsuit brought by VerStandig Broadcasting in Virginia last May, which sought to limit music royalty payments for its webcasts, has been ejected in a pre-trial dismissal by a federal judge. Judge Michael Urbanski reportedly dismissed the case as too “speculative” and “hypothetical” for trial. Continue Reading
In another demonstration of “willing buyer, willing seller” deal-making, Pandora has negotiated a direct licensing deal with Naxos, one of the world’s most prolific classical music labels. Before this, Pandora’s most widely publicized private negotiating effort was with the international consortium of independent labels, Merlin. Both deals are important. Continue Reading
U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon has granted Sirius XM the right to appeal its New York lawsuit over royalties for pre-1972 recordings. McMahon wrote that she granted appeal permission because of “a critically important controlling question of law” and uncertainty about whether Sirius XM had fair use to make temporary copies of the music. She determined that the case “warrants a close look by a controlling court.” Continue Reading
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada announced its financial results for 2014, and revealed $299 million in revenue from domestic, international and private copying proceeds. The figure broke last year’s record high of $276 million. Within that total, the organization received $20 million in revenue from Internet streaming companies, up from $3.2 million in the previous year. Continue Reading
Pandora and BMI are scheduled to go to court tomorrow and hash out the legal issues surrounding the streaming company’s royalty payments to the performing rights organization. BMI is seeking 2.5% of Pandora’s revenue for royalties, up from the 1.75% that it currently pays. Pandora wants a rate of 1.7%, comparable to the rates paid by most terrestrial radio stations. Continue Reading
As we reported last week, the U.S. Copyright Office released a comprehensive review of music licensing, and made recommendations for changes. Broadcast Law Attorney offers this thorough analysis of the report’s contents.
“The report tees up many issues for consideration. So now, let the debate begin!” Continue Reading
The Recording Academy and an alliance of A-list musicians have formed the Creators Alliance, an advocacy group that hopes to influence U.S. music licensing regulations for streaming services. the venture was announced by Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy. Continue Reading
The U.S. Copyright Office released a comprehensive critique of how music licensing works in the U.S. Criticism, by itself, is not noteworth ythese days. The document is exceptional for its detail, pedigree, and disruptive recommendations. The headline recommendation: Broadcast radio should start paying artists. Continue Reading
The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors announced a new campaign that aims to increase the percentage of royalty income that songwriters receive from online music services. The initiative is seeking a 50/50 split of the royalties, in addition to an larger slice of advertising income from YouTube and other comparable platforms. Continue Reading
The overwhelming majority of podcasts are spoken-word programs, and it has been that way the category started. Why? Broadcast law attorney and guest columnist David Oxenford explains the legal reasons. Continue Reading
Several streaming services were recently approached with a potential class-action lawsuit focused on pre-1972 song copyright protection. Rdio was initially one of the defendants, but the company has reportedly been dropped from the legal action. Continue Reading