(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — SoundExchange and SENA, the Dutch Neighboring Rights organization, have completed an agreement which provides for each organization to streamline and more efficiently find and pay artists and sound recording copyright owners.
SoundExchange, in cooperation with AFTRA and AFM, has received royalties from SENA for U.S. featured performers, who have earned royalties from performances, including radio and television performances in the Netherlands. These monies are being allocated as part of SoundExchange's $6,500,000 fall 2004 distribution. Several million dollars in SENA royalties are expected over the course of the next few years. SoundExchange, in return, is sending royalties to SENA for Dutch labels and artists, as well as other artists for whom SENA has worldwide mandates.
"This is a truly historic agreement," explained John L. Simson, executive director of SoundExchange. "This is the first time that U.S. artists will receive royalties for over-the-air broadcasts in a foreign territory. I'm grateful to SENA for their willingness to break new ground, to protect U.S. repertoire overseas and to recognize the great contributions of U.S. artists and labels. I would also like to recognize the efforts of AFTRA and AFM, who have been on the front lines of this issue long before SoundExchange was in existence."
"This agreement is a tremendous step forward for all rightholders involved. Not just American or Dutch but for all the other international performers SENA represents as well," said Hans van Berkel, managing director of SENA. "This cooperation secures the (digital) remuneration they're entitled to in a professional manner. Again it's the US and the Dutch that take the lead in this field and I look forward to cooperating with our American colleagues." — Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
