MUMBAI: PRS for Music, the UK organisation that represents the rights of thousands of music publishers, composers and singers, announced that it will hold an eight-week consultation based on the terms of its Popular Music Concerts Tariff, also known as Tariff LP.
According to a statement on the website, songs by PRS for Music's composers and songwriters, performed at ticketed live events like festivals and concerts had a tariff. This tariff was introduced in 1988 and was set at 3 per cent of the gross box office earnings per event. However, the Tariff LC, which is a separate tariff applied to live classical music concerts, was not included in this consultation.
PRS for Music commercial director, Paul Clements said, "The live music sector has changed dramatically since 1988, when the current tariff was set by the UK Copyright Tribunal. The purpose of this consultation process is to engage with our customers and members, to provide an open dialogue in reviewing PRS for Music's Tariff LP. As a membership organisation, we have an obligation to ensure that our licensing is simple, efficient, fit for purpose - and recognises the valuable contribution our songwriters and publishers make to the live music industry."
The consultation has gained support from other representative bodies in the music industry including Music Publishers Association (MPA) and British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).
In a statement, MPA CEO Sarah Osborn said, "With the vast changes occurring within the live music sector, it is imperative that we continue to recognise and advocate the value of songwriting. As we represent the interests of music publishers and their writers, we believe this consultation conducted by PRS for Music is an important step in better understanding the current live music sector, and to ensure that our members are fully recognised for their work and contribution in this ever growing industry.”
BASCA CEO, Vick Bain stated, "Being the voice for music writers we are very aware of every development throughout the music industry and how it impacts our members. It is apparent that the live music sector has grown immensely over the past 27 years and it is built on the foundation of the music our members write. It is vital that the value of a song is properly recognised. We therefore support PRS for Music in running this consultation, and encourage all relevant parties to express their views with open and transparent communication."
The consultation will run for eight weeks, with a deadline for responses set for 8 June 2015.