On this week’s show we discuss new developments on AI in the EU and UK that have given the music industry cause for both celebration and concern, and the commercial radio industry’s anger as BBC Radio looks to give music fans more choice.
SECTION TIMES
01: AI regulation (00:05:24)
02: News in brief (00:15:52)
03: BBC Radio (00:19:11)
(Timings may be slightly different due to adverts)
THIS WEEK’S MAIN STORIES
Music industry welcomes EU member states agreeing AI Act
EU member states have endorsed the final draft of the EU AI Act, which will regulate many uses of artificial intelligence. The music industry is particularly interested in the new rules covering the use of copyright protected works when training generative AI models
Planned UK code of practice on copyright and AI shelved
Government-led attempts to negotiate an agreement between the creative industries and the tech sector in relation to copyright and AI have failed. It’s a set back for the music industry, which wants clarity regarding the legal obligations of those using existing content to train AI models
Government needs to “urgently reconsider” approach to copyright and AI, says culture committee Chair
The government yesterday confirmed that efforts to negotiate a voluntary code of practice on copyright and AI have failed. As a result, the Chair of Parliament’s culture select committee says, the government now needs to urgently reconsider how it deals the the copyright challenges created by AI
NEWS IN BRIEF
Spotify CEO slams Apple in earnings calls and hints at more job cuts
As Spotify releases its earnings for Q4 2023 – which show the company lost €446 million in 2023 – CEO Daniel Ek criticised Apple’s approach to implementing the EU Digital Markets Act and warned that there may be more job cuts coming.
Warner Music’s Kyncl goes big on importance of major labels and data, says he is confident UMG TikTok dispute will be resolved.
Speaking to investors on a call about Warner Music’s Q4 earnings, CEO Robert Kyncl said that major music companies are only becoming more important as technology advances. He also said that he is “confident” that Universal and TikTok will resolve their current dispute and agree a new licensing deal
Michelle Jubelirer stands down as Capitol CEO as Universal Music restructure goes into effect
As Universal Music restructures its US recordings business, the boss of one of its big divisions there has resigned. Michelle Jubelirer was CEO of the Capitol Music Group, most of which will now be subsumed by the major’s Interscope Geffen A&M division
Indie labels say Apple’s new payment model will take money from their artists to benefit the majors
The Financial Times has spoken to a number of independent labels that are critical of the changes being made to Apple Music’s payment model so that more money flows to spatial available tracks – they say the changes benefit the majors and will “badly impact” on the revenues received by indies
Megan Thee Stallion marks “beginning of a new chapter” with Warner deal
Megan Thee Stallion has signed a deal with Warner Music which will distribute and support upcoming releases via her company Hot Girl Productions. This follows the settlement of a legal dispute with the rapper’s former label 1501 Certified Entertainment last October
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