SESAC, the nation’s fastest growing performing rights organization, and the Television Music License Committee have negotiated a new industry-wide licensing agreement for commercial local television stations across the United States.
The SESAC/TMLC-negotiated blanket license, which covers the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2004, reflects the strategic growth SESAC has achieved over the past few years.
“SESAC has experienced dynamic growth since my partners and I acquired the company in 1992,” says SESAC Chairman Stephen Swid. “Having said that, this deal with the TMLC represents a defining moment in the evolution of SESAC. This agreement was possible because renowned composers of shows like Seinfeld, Frasier, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, King of the Hill, Dharma & Greg, Will & Grace, The Hughleys, and Becker decided that their best interests would be served by affiliating with SESAC. I believe that the TMLC agreement also reflects a relationship between the broadcast TV industry and SESAC, which is based on mutual respect and the music user’s recognition that SESAC represents the most innovative and professional music licensing entity in the country. In working to put this agreement together, the TMLC executive committee has once again demonstrated their dedication to their constituents and their good faith in the negotiating process.”
“This license will help broadcasters control our costs for all of the music we put on the air,” said Catherine Nierle, TMLC co-chair. “We believe this agreement reflects a fair price for SESAC music. As performing rights organizations’ market shares change, we will expect the rights fees paid to reflect these changes.”
“We are pleased that we were able to reach a long-term agreement with SESAC, and that we were able to do it through negotiation,” said Charles Sennet, TMLC co-chair. “This agreement gives broadcasters predictable costs, reflecting the SESAC’s growing share of the music we broadcast every day. In addition, stations will be able to use SESAC music in their digital television signals, and in streaming video webcasts of their news and public affairs programs over their websites as part of this license.”
Established in 1930, SESAC is a service organization created to assist both the creators of music and music users through timely, efficient royalty collection and music licensing. SESAC maintains a diversified repertory that includes all genres of music. Headquartered in Nashville, the company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London (www.sesac.com).
