Six leading Canadian independent record companies have left the Canadian Recording Industry Association over disagreements about radio content rules and grant programmes for emerging artists, with some claiming the trade organisation favours the interests of its major label members over those of the independents.
Representatives for Nettwerk Records, Aquarius Records, the Children's Group, Linus Entertainment, Anthem Records and True North Records say that the CRIA should be aiming higher as they negotiate with government and the radio sector over what quota of music played by Canadian radio stations comes from Canadian artists. The quota currently stands at 35%. The CRIA says it is happy to stay with that figure, but that it is looking for a review of how the quota system works to benefit new artists. But the independents say that the industry association should actually be looking to push up the quota to 45%.
In a group letter to CRIA president Graham Henderson, the six record companies write: "It has become increasingly clear over the past few months that CRIA's position on several important music industry issues are not aligned with our best interests as independent recording companies".
Ric Arboit of Nettwerk Records added: "[CRIA is] looking out for their best interest, and their best interest is multinationals that are not Canadian".
The six independents will now look to the Canadian Independent Record Production Association to represent their interests on the radio quota issue. Henderson, meanwhile, avoided hitting back at the deserting record companies, instead admitting: "Life in Canada for the music industry used to be a lot simpler, and it was possible for CRIA to have both major and indie members".