Published
Thu, Mar 7, 2024, 17:28
- The National Music Publishers' Association, which represents US publishers and songwriters, might not renew its license with the app, Billboard reports.
Following Universal's decision to pull its catalogue from TikTok, major American music publishing companies are currently deciding whether to follow suit.
The National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA), a trade body representing US publishers and songwriters, said this week that it does not expect to continue its current licensing agreement with the social media platform, Billboard reported. NMPA members include Sony Music and Warner Chappell, part of Warner Music Group, whose combined catalogues feature Beyoncé, Damon Albarn, Quincy Jones, UK rapper Dave and many other heavy-hitters.
In a letter to members, which Billboard obtained, the NMPA highlighted "concerns around TikTok's licensing practices," adding that it does not anticipate continuing its current license with the video app once the latter expires on April 30th. If NMPA members want their catalogues on the app, they can negotiate individual deals directly, the letter stated. It's unclear how many NMPA members currently use the organisation's license.
The letter comes after Universal Music, a NMPA member that had its own licensing deal with TikTok, terminated its contract amid issues over royalty rates and lack of regulation over AI-generated music. If Sony Music and Warner Chappell follow suit, that means many chart-topping electronic music hits won't be available on the social channel.
RA has reached out to Sony Music and Warner Chappell for comment. We'll report more on this story as it unfolds.