The Performing Rights Society has reacted angrily to the claims that it forced YouTube into taking down music videos in the UK, saying it is "outraged on behalf of users".
Negotiations between the two bodies came to an abrupt halt on Monday afternoon, when Steve Porter, CEO for PRS for Music, apparently received a call informing him of YouTube's decision:
"We were shocked and disappointed to receive a call late this afternoon informing us of Google's drastic action which we believe only punishes British consumers and the songwriters whose interests we protect and represent.
Massive increase
"Google has told us they are taking this step because they wish to pay significantly less than at present to the writers of the music on which their service relies, despite the massive increase in YouTube viewing.
"This action has been taken without any consultation with PRS for Music and in the middle of negotiations between the two parties. PRS for Music has not requested Google to do this and urges them to reconsider their decision as a matter of urgency."
Whether this is a bargaining chip by YouTube, or an actual moral standpoint over it feeling like its being held to ransom, will only become clear when the matter is resolved.
Unofficial
We'll also be watching with interest over whether YouTube takes down all the unofficial content on its site, given that many songs appear multiple times without the necessary legal consent'.
The feud echoes that which forced online radio station Pandora to close in the UK, which claimed that it deserved a different licensing model online, and other sites, like Imeem, have run into similar problems too.
The PRS has been fairly vigilant in stopping any kind of music distribution it deems piracy, with even Kwik-Fit mechanics forced to turn off their radio as broadcasting it around the workshop was seen to be illegal.
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jfal
March 24th
3. Speaking from a writers perspective I think you both misunderstand what is actually going on here
1. PRS represents musicians who write original music, this music then is exploited to enhance digital media, businesses, films, TV etc. The writers are then paid after tax royalties.
2. 90% of writers whom are members of the PRS recieve less 5000 in royalties per year. This is mainly due to faulty information provided by massive conglomerates such as google.
Google if you don't know is a multi-million if not billion (depending on what you read) dollar industry it can afford to pay more to writers and if not actually provide accurate data.
Also it seems google are made to look like the good guys when it is they who were asking to pay less than previously agreed in royalties and now it is they who are making users suffer for their own greed
understanding this i would like to know what both gjs and avi think thank you
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gjs
March 10th
2. avi
Couldnt agree more. Just been had by PRS for playing music in a small shop - music we have already bought and presumed that within the cost of the CD, the artists have been paid a royalty .
Also have just been told by Business Link that we will have to pay PPL a licence fee. PPL aparently represent the producers and music industry as if they don't get paid enough.
To add insult to injury, if we want to play live music (lets say a guitarist for an opening) where we would pay the artist direct, PRS still feels that it is due a licence fee on top of the one already charged for recorded music.
I think this is criminal - no wonder weve never seen an image of Steve Porter, probably wears a mask!
Difficult times for all business, not a good time to have to find more money to pay an already bloated music industry. If they were serious about stopping illegal downloading they should stop giving people incentives and a feeling of justification.
Hats off for Google for their ability to champion free speech and open source and thank goodness they have the budget and will to fight what can only be classed as a further tax on business.
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avi
March 10th
1. Has the Government caved into demands from the PRS for increased powers? Because we've recently been harassed by them to pay for a licence in our factory. Apparently if someone plays a radio and anyone else can hear it, then a licence fee must be paid! This is disgraceful and needs stopping.
The PRS are parasites that this country doesn't need, people should be allowed to listen to radios or buy music without interference and if they can't, it will hurt the Music business more than anyone else.
Loathsome is what they are and figures of hate. This is because local factories have been fined for not buying their licences. Now everyone has to use iPods or not listen, which is very friendly.
No surprise that they'd be too expensive for Google.
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