June 2012
Dear Songwriter, Composer and Publisher:
I am pleased to report that BMI and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have reached an agreement in principle for a new industry-wide license, settling a multi-year litigation between the parties. If approved by the court, the agreement, which covers the performance of more than 7.5 million musical works in the BMI repertoire, will end a Federal Rate Court litigation over the fees that radio stations pay BMI on behalf of the songwriters and music publishers it represents for the public performance of their works by radio stations. The proposed deal covers the period from January 2010 through December 2016. Details of the agreement have not been released pending review by the Court.
New Cable Royalty Distribution Methodology
As we informed you last September, BMI has revised and refined its royalty distribution methodology for cable television networks. Initial royalty payments under the new methodology, which took effect beginning with performances on and after October 1, 2011, are included in this distribution. Complete details on this new methodology are available in our Royalty Policy Manual, which can be found at http://www.bmi.com/rpm.
We believe the innovations incorporated into our cable television royalty payment system give all BMI composers, writers and publishers the advantages of the most recent achievements in royalty distribution technology and audience measurement data. The new system also ensures that BMI is able to continue to create the highest value for your music by offering both our licensees and their listeners a repertoire of unmatched depth, breadth and quality.
Our congratulations go to Carole King, Ester Dean, Benny Blanco, Pitbull, Sandy Vee, Rolfe Kent and all those honored at the BMI Pop and Film/TV Awards, held last month in Los Angeles. Congratulations also go Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jim Steinman and honorees Bette Midler, Ben E. King, Mike Stoller, the family of the late Jerry Leiber, Lance Freed and the family of the legendary Woody Guthrie, who received the inaugural Songwriters Hall of Fame Pioneer Award.
I hope the summer months afford you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the music that you and your fellow writers and composers have created, music that is embraced by more listeners both here and abroad than any other.
Sincerely,
Del Bryant
President
Chief Executive Officer
Enclosure:
