PRS FOR MUSIC CLOSES LIVE MUSIC CONSULTATION

22 November 2011

PRS for Music has announced the end of its customer consultation on royalty rates for popular music events in the UK. After an extended period of listening and engaging with customers, representative organisations and key stakeholders, the decision was made that no changes should occur to the rate or structure of the tariff. The rate will remain at 3% of ticket receipts.

The open consultation ran for an extended period of 28 weeks, ending on 31 December 2010. 53 responses were received with 7 from representative groups, spanning the breadth of the live music industry. PRS for Music would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation for their valuable contribution to the process.

Keith Gilbert, Director of Public Performance Sales, PRS for Music said: “As the organisation that represents the creators behind the music, it is right that we continually review our charges and approach, ensuring there is a fair balance between music users and creators. From the outset we made it clear that this was an open consultation, allowing us to genuinely evaluate if the current tariff structure was still relevant for today’s live scene.

Gilbert continues: “We received many helpful responses with feedback largely supporting the consultation process, regarding it as sensible to review after 20 years. Responses showed that since the last review the live industry had changed significantly with live music becoming a more professional enterprise and thriving mainstream leisure activity. However as the market has grown, so have the costs associated with putting on events. After a number of discussions and reviews it was agreed that that no changes should be made at present. We will continue to work alongside the industry to ensure our tariffs both support the rights of the creator, whilst recognising the contribution of all parties involved in making the UK live music business the success that it is.”

A summary of all the responses has been published on the PRS for Music website. All the details can be found at www.prsformusic.com/customerconsultation