Do We Need Music Collecting Societies in the Digital Age?
In a digital world, any transaction can be tracked, and many argue that intermediaries are not necessary to collect money on behalf of composers, publishers and record producers. Have music collecting societies adapted to the digital challenge? Discover the truths and myths about whether music collecting societies are an obstacle or an enabler for legitimate music services. Get the low-down on navigating the tricky road of licensing music for global media services, and examine whether music rights owners can maximize their revenues by leaving the collecting society model behind and going it alone.
Presenters
Peter's first career was as songwriter, performer and music producer in the early 1990’s. He moved into the broadcasting industry when he joined ITV’s Music Department in 1995.
In 1997 he joined the BBC’s Music Copyright team and then became Rights Negotiation Manager responsible for all the BBC's music licensing agreements across all TV, Radio, and new media platforms including the iPlayer, online streaming, podcasting and commercial products.
Peter became Head of Rights for BBC Global News in May 2011 where he is responsible for all worldwide rights issues across the content of the BBC World Service, BBC World News and their online and syndication activities.
As Director of Licensing, Jez Bell heads up Omnifone’s team of licensing, publishing and label experts, expanding the portfolio of Omnifone’s innovative music services around the globe. Omnifone designs, builds, licenses and operates truly global and scaleable music services for major CE vendors including Sony with its multi platform Music Unlimited service and RIM with BlackBerry Messenger Music.
In late 2011 Omnifone launched rara.com in 20 countries, with more following this year. Omnifone services are licensed and live in 27 countries, with a target of 40+ by the end of the year.
Jez has over 20 years experience in copyright and digital licensing. He joined Omnifone from PRSforMusic, the UK collection society, where he was responsible for PRSforMusic’s Online, Mobile, Broadcast and Recorded Media licensing activity.
JAMES DUFFETT-SMITH is the head of licensing business affairs at Spotify. James heads the legal team responsible for licensing Spotify's music on a global basis. James is a lifelong music fan who needs to practice the guitar more.
As Vice President for New Media & Technology at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), one of the world's foremost music licensing organizations, Matt is responsible for issuing public performance licenses to Internet, wireless and other new technology-based services, as well as helping steer the organization’s adaptations and strategies for the digital age.
Matt has been immersed in intellectual property licensing and business development issues relating to new media music and entertainment for more than 17 years. In addition to his tenure at ASCAP, he also served as Strategic Planning Coordinator at the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) and its licensing subsidiary, The Harry Fox Agency (HFA), from 1998 to 2001.
Matt is a graduate of Columbia University in New York City and a recuperating drummer.
Andy Harrower, Head of Broadcast Licensing at PRS for Music, is responsible for the licensing of all TV and radio broadcasters in the UK and for leading PRS’s negotiations with major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky.
Andy now has over 20 years experience in this field, having fallen into the world of music rights after completing a music degree at City University. Andy continues to write, play and perform music.
Friday, March 16
