NMPA, Sony Music Entertainment Announce Licensing Agreement for Music Videos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / June 3, 2014
WASHINGTON — The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and Sony Music Entertainment (SME) announced today a model licensing deal for music videos. The agreement provides songwriters’ and music publishers’ percentage royalty rates for their participation in revenue generated from music videos in exchange for rights related to the use of their musical works in SME’s videos. This direct deal with SME will be offered to all NMPA music publishers on an opt-in basis through the Harry Fox Agency (HFA).
“Music videos are an essential piece of the growing digital marketplace, and an important source of revenue for songwriters and their music publishing partners,” said David Israelite, NMPA President and CEO. “Songwriters are key to every music video and this agreement recognizes their important contribution.'
Sony Music’s General Counsel, Julie Swidler added: “Sony Music has the greatest respect for songwriters – many of whom are our recording artists – and all of whom play an invaluable role in the process of creating great recordings. We are pleased that this agreement will facilitate a better licensing process, allowing us to make our music more widely available.”
In addition to receiving royalties for future music videos, songwriters and publishers who opt into the SME agreement may receive retroactive payments for past use of music works in SME music videos dating back to January 1, 2009. This agreement will also cover lyric videos as that market develops.
Today’s announcement is the third in a series of model agreements between NMPA and major record labels. NMPA expects to begin discussions with independent labels promptly. Additional details will be available on the NMPA and HFA websites and sent directly to music publishers in the coming weeks.
About the NMPA: Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.
About Sony Music Entertainment: Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Nashville, Beach Street/Reunion Records, Bystorm Entertainment, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Epic Records, Essential Records, Kemosabe Records, Legacy Recordings, MASTERWORKS, Polo Grounds, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music, Vested in Culture and Volcano. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.