In December last year, US Discovery Network announced that it would be buying out composers’ music rights, but later backed down following a severe backlash from creators, societies and organisations globally.
The network, parent platform of channels such as Animal Planet and TLC, were planning to require US composers to agree to ‘direct source licenses’ for all future and past work or risk having their work removed from programming. The proposal was a de facto ‘buy-out’ of all the composers rights, meaning that they would not receive any royalties when their works are used. A composer would normally receive royalties from their society whenever their works are broadcast.
In solidarity with composers, Graham Davies, chief executive, The Ivors Academy, launched the hashtag #nomusicbuyouts on Twitter.
Head down to the event at The White Space in London to find out more. Tickets are free for members of The Ivors Academy and £10 if you’re not a member. You can grab them on Eventbrite.
Details of the speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
