The Copyright Royalty Board published the finalized Final Rates and Terms for songwriters’ mechanical royalties, determining the amount labels and digital services are to pay music publishers, on Tuesday (Feb. 5); following last year’s announcement of the decision. The rates are effective for 2018 through 2022, with rates escalating from 10.5 percent of revenue to 15.1 percent of revenue.
Digital music companies now have 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling.
National Music Publishers Association president/CEO David Israelite commented on the development, saying via social media: “NMPA and NSAI fought hard to increase songwriter royalties by 44+%. The digital music companies now have 30 days to decide whether to appeal that ruling, and in effect declare war against songwriters. Apple has announced it will not appeal. The others won’t say. We will know soon whether some digital companies want to be partners or want to attack the songwriters who make their businesses possible. Stay tuned.”
Category: Featured, Financial/Legal, Publishing
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Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
