CRFA opposes dramatic increase to music royalty

Andrew Taranowski (The Marlowe, Richmond Hill, Ontario) was an expert industry witness at a recent hearing before the Copyright Board of Canada to oppose a music royalty proposal from Re:Sound. This proposal would increase the cost of recorded music for dancing by a factor of eight over the current fees charged by SOCAN. (Re:Sound represents performers and sound engineers whereas SOCAN advocates for authors, composers and music publishers.)

(May 3/10) CRFA has lodged a formal objection to the proposed 354 per cent increase in royalty fees for background music and will fight this proposal at a hearing before the Copyright Board of Canada.

This exorbitant proposal comes from Re:Sound, a collector of royalty fees on behalf of performers and music engineers.  Re:Sound is not related to SOCAN, a body that collects royalties for authors, composers and music publishers.

All restaurant establishments must pay two royalties for playing background music – one to SOCAN and the other to Re:Sound.  At a time when the Consumer Price Index is less than two per cent annually, a music royalty increase of this magnitude is punitive to the industry.

CRFA will regularly update its website on the fight to block this misguided proposal.

CRFA is calling on the Copyright Board of Canada to stop the exorbitant cost of background music fees. You can help by signing and faxing this petition (PDF).