Radio Must Pay For Streaming

In a win for artists and record labels, the Australian High Court ruled commercial radio must pay when it streams music via Internet simulcasts.

The commercial radio sector had argued that streaming is a “broadcast” for which radio pays fees.

The battle ended after four years. Dan Rosen, Sydney-based CEO of the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia that collects royalties on behalf of artists and labels, said it is moving “to quickly work out a fair and proper licensing deal.

“For too long radio has had a free kick – driving listening audience numbers and profits via the Internet while not paying artists fairly for use of their recordings.”