Copyright Royalty Board - CMU | the music business explained

As streaming services set out proposals for US songwriter payments post-2027, NMPA labels Amazon “the worst offender”

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Amazon • 5 min read

As streaming services set out proposals for US songwriter payments post-2027, NMPA labels Amazon “the worst offender”

The US Copyright Royalty Board will next year decide what streaming services should pay songwriters and music publishers in the American market from 2028 to 2032. Most of the services want to keep the current rate, the publishers want an increase, but Amazon is controversially proposing a rate cut…

Chris Cooke • 16 Oct 2026

Don’t say collusion: “no evidence of misconduct or conflict of interest” say major labels and publishers about their Phono V physical negotiations

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Copyright Royalty Board • 8 min read

Don’t say collusion: “no evidence of misconduct or conflict of interest” say major labels and publishers about their Phono V physical negotiations

The US Copyright Royalty Board is reviewing what mechanical royalties songwriters and publishers should receive from 2028. It’s labels who pay mechanical royalties on physical records, and the major labels are keen to stress they aren’t colluding with the major publishers to keep the rates down…

Chris Cooke • 06 Oct 2026

NPMA's Judiciary Committee letter in full

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NMPA • 4 min read

NPMA's Judiciary Committee letter in full

The NMPA has provided CMU with a copy of the letter that it sent to members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees relating to legislative changes it says are needed to resolve the Spotify audiobooks bundle dispute…

CMU • 21 May 2024

US publishers plan “legislative proposals” in response to Spotify audiobooks bundling bust up

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National Music Publishers Association • 4 min read

US publishers plan “legislative proposals” in response to Spotify audiobooks bundling bust up

As the bust-up between the music publishers and Spotify over the streaming service’s audiobook bundling continues, the National Music Publishers Association has said it will propose legislative reform to “permanently fix the power imbalance” songwriters face because of a compulsory licence in the US…

Chris Cooke • 21 May 2024

Music Rights • 4 min read

US Copyright Royalty Board reconfirms 15.1% streaming rate for songwriters and publishers

The CRB upheld an increase in streaming royalty rates from 10.5% to 15.1% for 2018-2022, despite appeals from most streaming services. Rates are reviewed every five years. The NMPA aims for a 20% rate for 2023-2028. Streaming services seek to limit financial commitment to under 70% of revenue.…

Chris Cooke • 04 Jul 2023