Top programming conglomerates including CBS Corp, Disney, 21st Century Fox and Time Warner Inc. jointly filed an ex parte letter to the FCC, indicating their strong, unambiguous disagreement with the revised set-top regulation proposal being championed by agency Chairman Tom Wheeler.
Source: Disney, CBS, others tell FCC to stay out of the licensing process | FierceCable
In a surprise move, BMI’s rate court judge ruled on Friday that fractional licensing is allowed under the consent decree the performing-rights organization operates under, according to a statement from BMI.
Source: BMI Rate-Court Judge Rules Against Dept. of Justice’s ‘100 Percent’ Licensing Decision | Billboard
Two major record labels are rolling out a low-priced music streaming service in the United Kingdom, a rare foray by record companies directly into the field and another sign the industry is finally moving toward more flexible pricing.
Source: Labels release cut-rate music streaming service amid shift to flexible pricing | Reuters
Earlier this week, Pandora signed two of the three big music labels to deals that will let it launch new streaming music services.Now it is launching one of them: Pandora Plus, an “ad-free radio experience with dramatically increased functionality,” which will sell for $5 a month.
Source: Pandora has announced its $5 subscription service – Recode
In addition to running the largest library in the world, overseeing the US Copyright Office, appointing a Poet Laureate each year, and selecting Gershwin Prize honorees for popular song, Hayden will be responsible for pushing the Library of Congress into the 21st century. Unlike former librarians of Congress, Hayden is the first appointed after widespread use of the internet and information technology.
Europe and Hollywood industries are expressing their alarm at a proposed overhaul of European copyright law that they fear will further erode the territorial licensing system their businesses count on for revenue.
Source: Film, TV Industry Sounds Alarm Over New E.U. Copyright Proposals | Variety
An organization representing songwriters filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Justice Department, alleging that a ruling last month promoted payout disparity by streaming services and digital radio. The New York Times reports that the suit also names Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Renata B. Hesse, a Justice Department partner who oversees antitrust cases, as defendants.
Source: Songwriters Organization Sues Justice Department – Rolling Stone
Video sites such as YouTube will be forced to pay more to musicians and record companies under plans to reform European copyright laws. The draft directive will also require publishers and producers to tell performers or authors what profits their works have generated.
Source: YouTube ordered to pay more for music by Europe – BBC News
Europe and Hollywood industries are expressing their alarm at a proposed overhaul of European copyright law that they fear will further erode the territorial licensing system their businesses count on for revenue. Of huge concern is a proposed extension to digital platforms of existing copyrights which already facilitate cross-border transmission of TV programming for foreign cable and satellite operators.
Source: Film, TV Industry Sounds Alarm Over New E.U. Copyright Proposals | Variety
Pandora has released a relatively bizarre press release this morning, announcing that it has struck licensing deals with three of the four major recording industry entities — Universal Music, Sony Music and indie label trade body Merlin — as well as Sony-owned distributor The Orchard and “over 30 other independent labels and distributors.” When asked why the release was issued despite lacking Warner Music’s signature, a Pandora rep says “we felt we had more than enough good news” and that Warner was fully aware that the release was being issued.
Source: Pandora Announces Licensing Deals — With Everyone But Warner Music | Billboard