CRB

FMC Responds to Internet Radio Royalty Rates Decision

On December 16, 2015, the Copyright Royalty Board issued its decision establishing non-interactive webcasting royalty rates for sound recordings in the 2016-2020 period. These rates represent a partial increase over the amount currently paid by digital radio services transmitting music via the Internet.

Future of Music Coalition CEO Casey Rae made the following statement: read more

Future of Music Coalition on Internet Radio Royalty Decision

December 16, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC — On December 15, 2015, the Copyright Royalty Board issued its decision establishing non-interactive webcasting royalty rates for sound recordings in the 2016-2020 period. These rates represent a partial increase over the amount currently paid by digital radio services transmitting music via the Internet.

Future of Music Coalition CEO Casey Rae made the following statement: read more

Major and Indie Labels Will Be Paid The Same Webcasting Rates… For Now

Independent labels and artists had something extra to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

In a November 25, 2015 ruling, the U.S. Copyright Office made it clear that webcasting royalty rates for the period covering 2016-2020 would treat major and independent record labels the same, as has been the case since the the establishment of a public performance right for digital transmission of sound recordings. Last week’s decision, handed down by Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante, is a response to the Copyright Royalty Board’s (CRB) question about whether the federal statute that provides for rate-setting (17 U.S. Code § 114) would permit different rates for majors and indies.

Post by FMC’s Casey Rae

Who gets paid, how much and under what terms when music is played on digital and AM/FM radio? Answering those questions isn’t easy, even for experts. But one thing is clear: 2014 has been a big year for the laws and policies that determine royalty rates for all forms of radio, and the intrigue will likely continue into 2015. read more

(Web)Casting Call

FMC has been following the back-and-forth about webcasting royalty rates almost as long as webcasting has existed. We’ve always recognized the value of smaller online broadcasters to the online music world — their passion and energy mean an awful lot of music that would otherwise have no outlet can reach ears around the world. We also support the continued development of larger webcast services, particularly the ones with innovative technology that conforms to your personal taste, like Pandora. On the other hand, we believe that artists should be fairly compensated for their work, and that the success of new technologies can’t come at the expense of creators’ interests. read more

Webcasters get reprieve on new rates

It seems Internet radio has gotten a midnight reprieve. Less than two weeks before new, higher royalty rates were set to go into effect on May 15, the Copyright Royalty Board announced it would push back the start day for the new rates until July 15. Many webcasters have complained the new rates are so high they will be forced off the air.

FMC applauds the move because it will give webcasters a chance to negotiate a lower royalty rate that will allow them to remain on the air, while paying artists a fair royalty rate. Webcasters are an important outlet for genres of music and artists that don’t normally get played on radio. The CRB should recognize the current one-size fits all royalty system doesn’t work. read more

CRB

FMC Responds to Internet Radio Royalty Rates Decision

Future of Music Coalition on Internet Radio Royalty Decision

Major and Indie Labels Will Be Paid The Same Webcasting Rates… For Now

Fear and Loathing in Royalty Rate Setting

(Web)Casting Call

Webcasters get reprieve on new rates

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