Passage Of Music Modernization Act Averts Artist Boycott Of Sirius XM

Yesterday the Music Modernization Act, a massive overhaul of the US copyright system, unanimously passed the Senate, and while good news for the music industry as a whole, one entity remains in opposition to the bill: SiriusXM. That said, the MMA’s smooth passage will like prevent a major boycott of…

Court Rules Against SoundExchange In CRB Rate Dispute

On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the Copyright Royalty Board rate determination for non-interactive web streams for the period of 2016-2020. In 2015, the CRB established rates of $0.0017 per song play from ad-supported services, up from $0.0014 in the prior period. The CRB…

Artists Are Driving MMA Ahead, SiriusXM Should Join Them [Chris Israel, musicFIRST Coalition]

The Music Modernization Act, which is scheduled for a full Senate vote over the next 24 hours, is supported by the music industry because it brings music copyright and compensation into the digital age. But SiriusXM is working to scuttle key MMA provisions, and artist advocates the musicFIRST Coalition are…

Music Modernization Act Vote Unlikely Today [UPDATE]

UPDATE: The Music Modernization Act is being fast tracked for a voice vote in the Senate. It’s a bold strategy that could backfire if even one Senator votes no. Despite earlier reports, it is now unlikely that the vote will happen today. The Music Modernization Act, which overhauls copyright and…

One Step Closer For The Music Modernization Act

In this op-ed, Jeffrey Bennett of SAG-AFTRA and Mitch Glazier of the RIAA decry the recent questionable actions of SiriusXM and encourage those involved in the music industry to help the Music Modernization Act’s progress forward. __________________________ By Jeffrey Bennett, Chief Deputy General Counsel, SAG-AFTRA and Mitch Glazier, President, RIAA…

More Misdirection, Dodgeball On Royalties From SiriusXM

Broadcasting company SiriusXM is up to no good, says Chris Castle, claiming that its out to see artists paid their fair due. In reality the company is using rhetorical trickery to distract artists while Sirius climbs its way to a more advantageous industry position. __________________________ Guest post by Chris Castle…

iHeartRadio MMVAs 2018 – Fill Winners List

The 2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs were held Sunday night in the heart of downtown Toronto. Hosted by YouTube star and actress Awkwafina, the show featured a star-studded lineup. Shawn Mendes opened and closed the show with performances of his songs “Lost in Japan” and “In My Blood.” The Toronto-raised singer-songwriter also…

Does Anyone Listen To Beats 1? Zane Lowe Won’t Say

Apple a master at dribbling out music users stats at just the right moment, like during a product launch, investor call or just as the media seems ready to crown Spotify the winner of the streaming wars. Buts it has never even hinted at how many people actually listen to…

Radio Issues An Ironic Plea For Fairness [Op-Ed]

In a welcome twist, a group radio broadcasters recently got together and penned a letter supporting the national Association of Broadcasters’ goal of deregulating the radio industry. ________________________ Op-Ed by Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange On Monday, a group of radio broadcasters penned a letter in support of…

Meet Yoko Ono – Radio’s Biggest Fan

Fred Jacobs explores a recent compelling tweet from one of the music’s more controversial figures, Yoko Ono, who recently and somewhat unexpectedly took to Twitter in support of radio. ________________________________ Guest post by Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media Strategies If you want to make a hardcore Beatles fan go absolutely…