SoundExchange is making it easier for licensees to update the information they provide on their annual minimum fee forms. Licensees can now make online changes to those forms. Prior to this new feature, Licensees needed to submit a paper form to make changes (such as changes to their URL or the number of stations/channels). New licensees and existing licensees that launch new channels/stations during the year will benefit from this feature.
Every year, streaming services must pay a minimum fee in order to use the statutory license available for the public performance of sound recordings via non-interactive streaming. This minimum fee must be submitted by January 31 of the calendar year for which the usage of sound recordings occurs.
A licensee’s minimum fee is determined by the information they submit, via the minimum fee form, about their service and includes the number of stations, the URL(s), and the streaming start date for each station.
Licensees can now update their minimum fee information via LD by following these steps:
- Logging in to Licensee Direct
- Navigating to “Manage Your Accounts”
- Selecting the applicable service and year
- Selecting “View/Edit Current” under the “Minimum Fee” dropdown menu
After selecting “View/Edit Current” you will be able to update your webcaster information, provide a list of stations/channels, and view your corresponding annual minimum fee.
Services must submit their Minimum Fee form before the January 31. If a webcaster wants to start a new service for 2020 after January 31, 2020, then its minimum fee form is due 45 days after the end of the month in which it starts (i.e. the same date as that month’s payment and SOA).
If you are a licensee that has already submitted your 2020 minimum fee form and you don’t need to make any updates, then no action is necessary. If you have not yet submitted your 2020 form, please be sure to submit via your LD account as soon as possible.
If you have any question, you may also email [email protected] or call 202-559-0555 if you need further assistance.