Global Music Rights filed a motion on Jan. 20 to dismiss the Radio Music Licensing Committee’s (RMLC) anti-trust lawsuit against the performing rights organization, according to a report by Billboard.

Within the filing, GMR notes the Pennsylvania court the RMLC filed with last November lacks personal jurisdiction and is an improper forum in which to adjudicate the dispute; and notes that the RMLC complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, according to the news agency.

Billboard‘s report continues, citing court documents: “If the Pennsylvania case is not going to be dismissed and must be adjudicated, the latest filing states that the case should be in the U.S. Central District of California Court because that’s where GMR is located and the only licensing negotiations that happened in person occurred there; and RMLC also has twice has many member radio stations in California than it does in Pennsylvania.”

After the RMLC’s anti-trust filing, GMR responded by filing its own before offering a temporary license through Sept. 30, 2017, however Billboard notes there is ongoing contention about RMLC’s involvement with the interim license and its cost, said to total $2.5 million per month.

Billboard‘s Ed Christman notes GMR sought a combined $42 million for the 10,000 RMLC stations (90 percent of U.S. Terrestrial radio revenue) to license its music for a year, according to the initial lawsuit. Christman goes on to note negotiations continued with RMLC’s “one-year deal that would pay out about $27 million, or $2.25 million per month from the stations…GMR made a counter proposal of $30 million, or $2.5 million a month, which the RMLC rejected and then filed the lawsuit.”

All this after initial negotiations broke down between the two parties before the November filing prior to the end of 2016, when the RMLC’s radio license was set to expire for GMR’s 73-represented songwriters works, which are said to total between 5-7.5 percent of all radio play.

Founded by Irving Azoff in 2013 and headed by former ASCAP executive Randy Grimmett, GMR represents Nashville writers Shane McAnally, Luke Laird and Paul Overstreet. The PRO is represented by O’Melveny & Myers LLP and Harkins Cunningham LLP.

The Country Radio Seminar and Edison Research will present new research data on mobile music options for listeners in “The Mobilization of Country Radio” panel on February 23rd. Presented by Edison’s Larry Rosin, Tom Webster and Megan Lazovick, as well as mobile expert Tim Hayden, co-author of “The Mobile Commerce Revolution,” the panel will explore the diversity of radio usage, streaming behaviors, and online music consumption of today’s fans.

To obtain the research data, Edison conducted one-on-one interviews with 1,500 participants to investigate their mobile-usage habits as well as observed a day-in-the-life to fully understand a typical day’s mobile usage and to “put a face with the phone.” With mobile devices playing a central role in so many lives, Edison wanted to explore how country listeners compare to those of other formats, how the smartphone is changing the way users listen to radio and consume music, what other types of things they are using those devices for, and just how radio can capitalize on those behaviors.

More information on this and other CRS panels can be found at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or on the CRS mobile app, which provides attendees with an expanded agenda, panel descriptions, speaker bios, live performances, CRS after-hour activities and more.

Ryan Redington

Country Radio Seminar 2017 will welcome Director of Amazon Music, Ryan Redington, as a featured speaker. Redington will speak on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at 9 a.m. and will discuss the approach Amazon uses through their services and consumer relations.

Throughout his time at Amazon, Redington has overseen the launch of two Amazon Music streaming services—Amazon Music Unlimited in October 2016 and Prime Music in June 2014. Redington also spearheaded Amazon’s exclusive deal with Garth Brooks, to bring the country superstar’s music catalog to streaming for the first time. Redington began his Amazon career working on the video team, before joining music where he worked as a category leader in physical before digital and streaming.

“Ryan will be providing us a very candid, unique look inside the intellectual perspective of one of the country’s most innovative retailers, products, and consumer services,” said Bill Mayne, Executive Director of CRS. “This is an hour at CRS not to miss!”

Registration for Country Radio Seminar 2017 increases to $699 this Friday, Jan. 13. Individuals who have not registered, but are planning to attend, are encouraged to register today at the $599 rate, which is a $100 savings, at countryradioseminar.com.

Registration for Country Radio Seminar 2017 increases to $699 this Friday, Jan. 13. Individuals who have not registered, but are planning to attend, are encouraged to register today at the $599 rate, which is a $100 savings, at countryradioseminar.com.

The CRS 2017 panels include: “Objects are Larger Than They Appear: Small Markets that do BIG Things,” “Speeding Towards Tomorrow: Programming & Branding in the Mobile World,” a CRS Research Presentation: Presented by Edison Research,” “Women Empowering Women,” “Victory in the Hallways: Creating a Positive Work Culture,” “More Than Words: Presenting Ideas That Inspire Bold Action,” “Promotions Start to Finish: Part YOU,” “Capturing the Millennial Ear: Rethinking our Traditional Medium for the Next Generation,” and many more.

As a first time guest of CRS, Olympic figure skater, Scott Hamilton, will present the keynote address and will inspire others through his motivational story and how to overcome life’s obstacles.

Other CRS 2017 agenda highlights include two label luncheons and performances (sponsored by Big Machine Label Group and UMG Nashville), Acoustic Alley (sponsored by Bob Kingsley), the CRS featured speaker discussion, “My Way” with Toby Keith (sponsored by BMI), the popular New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance and more.