PRS for Music announces tariff review of festivals and concerts

13 April 2015 - Press release

Live music industry consultation launched by songwriter and composer organisation
 
PRS for Music has today announced that it will be running an eight week consultation on the terms of its Popular Music Concerts Tariff (‘Tariff LP’). The tariff is applied to ticketed live popular music events such as concerts and festivals.
 
Paul Clements, Commercial Director, PRS for Music commented: “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 received support from industry representative bodies including the Music Publishers Association (MPA) and the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).
 
Sarah Osborn, CEO, Music Publishers Association (MPA) 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.”
 
Vick Bain, CEO, British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) said: “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.”