Facebook signs three more licensing deals

In the wake of striking major licensing deals with Universal Music Group and Sony/ATV, Facebook has finalised three more similar multi-year deals to position itself as a valuable ally of the recorded and publishing music sectors..

They are with SESAC’s HFA/Rumblefish platform, Kobalt Music Publishing and Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights.

Facebook’s users can now upload and share videos that use the music of the acts signed to these organisations.

Global Music Rights for instance handles Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Drake, Bruce Springsteen and Smokey Robinson.

HFA/Rumblefish offers administration and royalty collection for independent publishers.

Kobalt founder & CEO Willard Ahdritz said, “In the spirit of a true partnership, Facebook will ensure songwriters are paid fairly and new revenue streams are created for user uploaded video.

“We look forward to working closely with Facebook throughout our partnership. And, Kobalt is committed to distributing royalties in a fully transparent way.”

Irving Azoff commented, “Our partnership with Facebook reflects that when music is valued properly, it’s easy for both sides to view it as a win-win.”

The Facebook deals are a significant step in sending out the message that music is valuable and needs to be renumerated.

Scott Sellwood, Head of Commercial Music Publishing Partnerships at Facebook, said that the Rumblefish deal would allow more talents from the independent publishing sector to become involved.

He said, "The program will enable users to upload and share videos with music on Facebook, Instagram and Oculus and allows publishers to be compensated for the use of their music.

"Rumblefish will also help Facebook optimize the identification and clearance of musical works through an innovative data-sharing agreement.

“This partnership with HFA/Rumblefish and an opt-in for independent publishers opens as of today."