Pandora has executed a music rights deal with BMG. In an effort to secure a more favorable contract for the songwriters and copyright holders, the fourth largest publisher executed a direct deal with the most popular streaming service. In doing so, they bypassed the two biggest U.S. Performing Rights Organizations BMI and ASCAP, who traditionally handle all licenses for digital performance royalties but whom remain shackled by government regulations and archaic consent decrees.
This deal follows Pandora’s recent deal with Merlin, which allowed Pandora to negotiate direct deals with thousands of independent labels. The new agreement gives BMG unspecified “marketing and business benefits,” according to a Pandora statement. More details at http://bmg.com.
