PRS launches new online licences for July

PRS for Music (the rebranded MCPS-PRS Alliance) is launching a new set of online music licences to replace the current Joint Online Licence by the end of June 2009. The licences are being released in two stages: the first concerns the rates charged for download and subscription services (summaries of the key terms are available on PRS for Music's website here). The second covers streaming services, for which the details will be released shortly, since consultation with digital licensees is still taking place.  The PRS promises that the full terms of all of relevant licences will be available by 1 July 2009.

So it's goodbye Joint Online Licence. Battered by the recession on one side and modern attitudes towards paid-for music on the other side, the industry is presumably hoping for an era of fewer joints and more online licences.