• ABOUT
    • Contact
    • The Team
    • FAQ
    • Use & Privacy Policy
  • ADVERTISE
  • JOB LISTINGS
MusicRow.com
  • CALENDARS
    • Album Releases
    • Single Releases
    • Industry Events
  • EVENTS
  • OBITS
  • REVIEWS
  • CHARTS
    • CountryBreakout Radio Chart
      • Current CountryBreakout Chart
      • CountryBreakout Chart Archives
    • No. 1 Challenge Coin
    • Top Songwriter Chart
      • Current Top Songwriter Chart
      • Top Songwriter Chart Archive
  • ROWFAX
  • NEWSLETTER
  • SIGN UP
  • STORE
  • Search
  • Menu

BREAKING: Department of Justice Ends ASCAP/BMI Consent Decree Review Without Action

January 15, 2021/in Featured2, Uncategorized /by LB Cantrell

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Anti-Trust Division head Makan Delrahim addressed today (Jan. 15) the DOJ’s review of the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees, in a webinar sponsored by Vanderbilt Law School. The DOJ has ended its ASCAP and BMI consent decree review without taking action.

Delrahim said compulsory licenses “are not the answer” and that any future changes Congress may consider should allow songwriters the ability to negotiate in the free market. Delrahim—who submitted his resignation letter on Jan. 13, effective on Jan. 19.—also suggested the DOJ consider reviewing ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees every five years. He applauded ASCAP and BMI for launching their new SONGVIEW database which will allow music users/licensees to more easily find song ownership data.

The consent decrees were put in place to prevent anticompetitive behaviors and determine sensible licensing rates. The ASCAP consent decree was modified in 2001 and the BMI consent decree was modified in 1994. The decrees require ASCAP and BMI to issue licenses covering all works in their repertory upon request from music users. If the parties are unable to agree on an appropriate price for a license, the decrees provide for a “rate court” proceeding in front of a U.S. district judge. Neither decree contains a termination date.

Many publishers, songwriters and other music industry members have criticized the longstanding decrees, stating that they limit the ability of songwriters and publishers to obtain their own licensing agreements that could result in higher revenues in a free marketplace.

Read how the music industry is responding to the issue here.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
LB Cantrell
LB Cantrell
LB Cantrell is Director of Content at MusicRow magazine. She oversees all MusicRow-related content, including managing the editorial team. Cantrell manages the MusicRow social media accounts, head up specific, large-scale projects for the company, and assist in day-to-day operations. She also manages all MusicRow memberships, and facilitates the company’s annual events, including the MusicRow Awards, CountryBreakout Awards and Rising Women on the Row. Cantrell graduated from the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.
LB Cantrell
Latest posts by LB Cantrell (see all)
  • Triple Tigers Records Promotes Laura Hostelley To VP, Marketing - February 24, 2021
  • Travis Tritt Announces First Full-Length Studio Album In Over A Decade - February 24, 2021
  • On The Row: Dallas Remington Has Kept Busy During Pandemic - February 23, 2021
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Gavel-iStock-thumbnail.png 1716 2060 LB Cantrell https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png LB Cantrell2021-01-15 14:22:272021-01-15 15:46:23BREAKING: Department of Justice Ends ASCAP/BMI Consent Decree Review Without Action

RECENT NEWS

  • Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Breaks Ground In Denver February 24, 2021
  • SmithField Puts On ‘Sunday Best’ Ahead Of Upcoming EP February 24, 2021
  • Industry Ink: Queue Records, Sister Sadie, YEP February 24, 2021
  • ACM Nominations To Be Revealed On ‘CBS This Morning’ February 24, 2021
  • Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry To Benefit Feeding America February 24, 2021
  • Triple Tigers Records Promotes Laura Hostelley To VP, Marketing February 24, 2021
  • Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett Announces Timeline For New Huntsville Venue Opening February 24, 2021
  • Blackberry Smoke Marks 20 Years As A Band With New Album ‘You Hear Georgia’ February 24, 2021
  • Travis Tritt Announces First Full-Length Studio Album In Over A Decade February 24, 2021
  • Payton Smith To Play Virtual Benefit Show For East Tennessee Children’s Hospital February 24, 2021
  • Lily Rose Signs With Fusion Music February 24, 2021
  • CMA Partners With Touring Professionals Alliance Kitchen February 23, 2021
  • On The Row: Dallas Remington Has Kept Busy During Pandemic February 23, 2021
  • Nashville Music Equality To Feature The Black CMA On Panel Tonight February 23, 2021
  • FGL’s Amazon Global Livestream Event Set For Thursday February 23, 2021

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Tweets by MusicRow
© 2021 Music Row Enterprises, LLC – All rights reserved.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Scroll to top