New York
– Digital royalty payments to artists and copyright holders for music played on
satellite and Web radio hit a record $52 million in the first quarter of 2010,
about 25% higher than any previous quarter, The New York Times reported, citing
data from royalty collection firm SoundExchange.
SoundExchange executive
director John Simson credited more simulcast streaming by big-name radio
stations, growth of services like Pandora, and satellite radio sales tied to
new car purchases.
The firm has also registered "thousands" of
artists who previously had not been receiving royalties owed them.
"We’re
having fun cleaning up data and sending out money. It’s fun to go up to a band
at a festival and say, ‘We have $3,000 for you,’" Simson told The Times.
Related Links:
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(N.Y. Times)
