16 July 2008
PRS statement in relation to the European Commission decision on the collective administration of rights across Europe
The European Commission has today issued its Decision in the long-running case regarding reciprocal agreements between European collecting societies.
Commenting on the decision, MCPS-PRS Alliance Chief Executive Steve Porter said:
‘PRS shares the Commission’s more general objective of improving collective rights management across Europe. We welcome the clear message that creators should have freedom to choose a society to represent them. However, we are disappointed that it has chosen this route to further its objectives for multi-territorial licensing, as in our view this is better left to market developments.
PRS has over the last few years been developing multi-territory solutions for the online and mobile markets with music users, rightsowners and other societies. We continue to believe strongly that a market-led approach will deliver the best solutions.
The collective rights management systems across Europe deliver immense benefits to both music users and rightsowners and we welcome the Commission’s endorsement of that. Our immediate concern, therefore, is to ensure, given the complex underlying issues involved, that the Decision is not misinterpreted so as to cause market disruption or other unintended consequences.
PRS will make a full assessment of the Decision including whether or not to appeal.
In the meantime, we will be working with our licensees, members and other societies to ensure minimal market disruption.’
-Ends-
Contact:
Catherine George 020 7306 4777
press@mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk
Notes for editors:
PRS, The Performing Right Society, creating a future for music. As a not-for-profit membership society, PRS ensures composers, songwriters and music publishers are paid royalties when their music is used. Music is everywhere, every day: live performance, TV and radio, CDs, DVDs, downloads, streams and everything in between. Royalties create a future for music by supporting creators while they continue to write. www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk