Major labels and publishers are quick to call in the copyright lawyers, and this time their target was a podcast that they claimed was illegally using music in episodes. David Oxenford explains the distinctions between different performance licenses and what podcasters should do to stay on the right side of copyright law. Continue Reading
SESAC has promoted Kelli Turner to the role of president and chief operating officer. Her previous post at the music rights organization was executive vice president of operations, corporate development, and chief financial officer. Continue Reading
After some sharp exchanges, the music industry may be reuniting in its support of the Music Modernization Act, at least when it comes to mechanical licensing. Last month, several companies that currently operate in the mechanical licensing space traded barbs with songwriter groups over an effort to change that portion of the proposed legislation. Yesterday, the parties announced a new compromise. Continue Reading
Facebook is soldiering on with its music industry deals. Head of Music Tamara Hrivnak penned a blog post announcing multiple arrangements with songwriting and publishing outfits. Continue Reading
The arbitration between the Radio Music License Committee and SESAC has yielded a new, lower licensing rate for participating stations. For the license period between Jan. 1, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2018, RMLC-Represented Stations will see a 60% discount applied to its SESAC license rate card. Continue Reading
SESAC has been acquired by the Blackstone Group. The collection and licensing society bills itself as the only one in the U.S. handling public performance, mechanical, synchronization and other rights under a single umbrella. Financial details of the acquisition have not been revealed, but the deal is projected to close by the end of Q1 2017. Continue Reading
SESAC and Swiss collecting society SUISA have collaborated on a new joint venture in licensing and rights administration for digital music services. Mint Digital Licensing is a multi-territory platform that will issue single source licenses for the reproduction, distribution, and performance rights for the combined groups’ catalogs. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves include new high-level hires at Univision and SESAC, while ASCAP and Xaxis announced promotions from within the ranks. Continue Reading
SESAC 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. Continue Reading
The Radio Music Licensing Committee and performing rights organization SESAC have reached a settlement in the antitrust lawsuit filed by RMLC in 2012. The suit alleged that SESAC, which is privately owned and not subject to government oversight like ASCAP or BMI, had essentially monopolized the music it licenses. Continue Reading
SESAC is purchasing the Harry Fox Agency from the National Music Publishers’ Association. The acquisition unites performance and mechanical rights under SESAC’s umbrella of services, a unique development in the industry. Continue Reading
Copyright reform is the agenda of a new bill introduced to Congress by Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia. Called the Songwriter Equity Act, the bill seeks to amend portions of the U.S. Copyright Act, addressing what the bill’s sponsors call inequity in current regulations. Continue Reading