Industry views
Nick Cave ' s live stream from Alexandra Palace
PRS urged to reconsider 10 % livestream event tariff
PRS For Music ’ s announcement that livestreams will attract a backdated ‘ interim tariff ’ of 10 % of gross revenue is considered by the Music Manager ’ s Forum ( MMF ) and Featured Artist Coalition ( FAC ) to be potentially damaging for many artists who have livestreamed during the pandemic .
The collection society ’ s 10 % tariff is more than twice the 4.2 % levied on ticket sales at in-person live shows and higher than the 8 % tariff it proposed in late 2020 .
PRS said an interim discounted rate of 10 % (+ VAT ) will be applied to streamed live concerts while the physical events sector is “ facing material restrictions on its ability to operate ”.
The organisation ’ s original proposal for up to 17 % of gross ticket receipts met with a hostile response from the live music industry .
PRS for Music members performing their own work , where they control 100 % of the rights , can now obtain a discretionary licence , no matter how much revenue is generated from the events .
Small events generating up to £ 1,500 can obtain a fixed-rate licence or apply for a bespoke rate linked to specific event revenues .
The organisation said its commitment to not retroactively seek licences from small-scale online live concerts has been extended to include all events which generated up to £ 1,500 in revenue that took place in 2020 .
All Online Live Concert licences will now allow viewing access for 72 hours , extended from 24 hours .
MMF and FAC said the 10 % rate disregards the feedback that PRS received in its ‘ call for views ’: “ The responses , which by PRS ’ s own admission were almost five times more in number than any other consultation they have carried out , make the case for a significantly discounted rate while Covid restrictions remain .
“ There are some positive changes announced today , particularly at a grassroots level . We welcome global licensing of livestreams as far as possible but advise that artists and promoters wait until this is formally agreed until fees are paid over to avoid double claims on this income .
“ MMF and FAC believe that the high level of backdated tariffs for online shows will be widely viewed as unjustifiable . This hits those artists in the middle the hardest and certainly cannot be construed as a ‘ discount ’.
“ We urge PRS to reconsider and come back with fair and reasonable proposals that the whole industry , including their own members , can benefit from ."
“ Government can recognise the need for insurance as part of the ERP , but the fact it has otherwise shown no sign of being willing to step in is disappointing .”
Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn airs his frustration that Government has provided indemnity for Event Research Programme shows , but failed to react to calls for a broader insurance scheme .
“ The Cultural Recovery Fund is a remarkable and timely intervention , but it simply papers over the cracks .”
Association of Independent Festivals CEO Paul Reed calls on the Government to extend its support of festivals beyond the CRF and help them take place , not just survive .
" There will not be any live music , sound systems will not be allowed , and a noise curfew will be in place after 11pm ”
Glastonbury Festival operators issue a statement outlining the rules at the festival ’ s site this summer , which will temporarily become Worthy Pastures camp site .
07