Pandora And BMI Square Off In Court Tomorrow

Fighting With BMI Over Music Royalties

Industry eyes will be focused TOMORROW (2/10) on a NEW YORK CITY federal courtroom, "where PANDORA will square off against the giant licensing agency BMI in the latest fight over music royalties in the digital age." reports THE NEW YORK TIMES. When the trial concludes, the fees will be set on how much PANDORA will have to pay BMI’s songwriters and music publishers to stream their songs.

THE TIMES notes, "the larger debate over music royalties online has galvanized musicians, and the Justice Department is reviewing the regulatory agreements that govern BMI and ASCAP, its rival. Both groups -- which together handle nearly $2 billion in royalties when songs are played on the radio or streamed online -- complain that the licensing system in place for decades is now outdated."

“The foundation of PANDORA’s business was built with the words and music of songwriters, and we are fighting on their behalf to secure rates that reflect the true value of their work in today’s digital marketplace,” BMI General Counsel STUART ROSEN said in a statement.

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