‘Last Minute Asks’ Threaten Music Copyright Bill’s Passage in Senate
Issues raised by Texas Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and backed by performing rights organization SESAC could jeopardize Senate passage of the Music Modernization Act, said observers Tuesday. Cruz and Cornyn during markup (see 1806280062) voiced concern about…
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the bill’s mechanical licensing collective (MLC), which would establish a royalty payment database overseen by the Copyright Office, precluding private entities from competing. Two experts said SESAC is concerned the new framework could put its Harry Fox Agency, which collects and distributes money to music rights holders, out of business. BMI said in a statement Tuesday it’s disappointed “last minute asks” could threaten the legislation: “We hope that the parties currently in disagreement can work together to resolve their issues, allowing this important piece of legislation to move forward.” SESAC is “committed to working towards a version of the Music Modernization Act that retains all of the benefits for writers, publishers and [demand-side platforms] and which will move music licensing into the 21st Century while supporting a competitive market in music rights administration,” a spokesperson said.