Google-owned YouTube yesterday began to block UK users’ access to some of the world’s most popular music videos on its site after failing to reach a settlement with the PRS for Music, the umbrella company representing UK composers and publishers.
The video sharing site and the music industry body have been in negotiations for several months to renew their contract allowing the PRS for Music to collect royalities on behalf of musicians. They collect fees each time a song is played or performed.
In a bold move, YouTube began a music video blackout on its site after blaming the PRS’ unrealistic increase in fees. Both sides have laid the blame in each others’ court, with the PRS hitting back by claiming the unexpected move by YouTube comes in the midst of ongoing renegotiations, with the main sufferers being the consumers and musicians themselves.
Whatever the genuine reasons, it’s a radical step by the US video sharing site, who are removing the videos by their own decision, not due to demands made by the PRS or the music publishers or songwriters they represent. Far more typically content removal is demanded by the content creators or owners, not the publishers.
- Sam
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