“Musicians are set to receive royalties from sales and airplay well into their old age under a new EU ruling,” BBC News reports.
“On Monday, the EU Council voted to extend the copyright on sound recordings from 50 to 70 years,” The Beeb reports. “The move follows a campaign by artists like Cliff Richard as well as lesser-known performers, who said they should continue to earn from their creations.”
“Critics argue that many musicians will see little benefit, with most income going to big stars and record labels,” The Beeb reports. “The change applies to the copyright on studio recordings, which is often owned by record labels, rather than the right to the composition, which is owned by the songwriters.”
“Under the 50-year rule, the copyright on songs by The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and The Who would have expired in the next few years. That would have meant that anyone could have used and sold those songs in any way, and the performers and record labels would have ceased to receive royalties,” The Beeb reports. “Rolling Stone Mick Jagger told the BBC that the EU’s decision was ‘obviously advantageous’ to musicians.”
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