In the case of music, The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is the CMO that approves clearances for music sync, publishers and labels.
What does NBC’s proposed new guideline mean for music? (NBC)
On June 11, 2020, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) released an amended version to the sixth edition of its broadcasting code of conduct and finally did something music publishers, composers and composing association has been clamouring for.
Section three of the code covers music and it aims to guarantee adequate payment for Nigerian artists through the use of their copyrighted works on air. It also aims to make broadcasters obtain license from artists or owners of rights to an artwork before such artwork (music) can be played on air.null
Code 3 (18) (3) of the amended states that also compels broadcasting organizations to pay all sums payable to collective management organization (CMO) (in this case COSON) and obtain clearance before any bit of music can be played on air. Failure to comply with these guidelines will make a broadcaster liable to a Class B offence.
According to Code 10 of the the third amendment of this code – which can also be a punishment section, a Class B offence will be punished in the following ways
- Written WARNING to remedy/rectify a breach within a reasonable time frame, failing which a fine of not less than N100,000.00 shall be imposed.
- Failure to comply attracts reduction of the daily broadcast hours for a given period; re-commence of full broadcast hours shall be subject to a fine of not less than N500,000.00.
- Suspension of licence for a given period with a recommencement fine of not less than N1,000,000.00.
Any broadcaster who is also in doubt as to which collective management organization to contact is required to get in touch with the National Copyrights Commission (NCC).
In the case of music, The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is the CMO that approves clearances for music sync, publishers and labels in the event of publishing performance, distribution, adaptation of an artwork.
The NBC’s new amendment is a big win for Nigerian music. Artists should be paid for every use of their music – including use by DJs and even in supermarkets and gyms.nullabout:blank
You might remember that…
This is not the first time the NBC has attempted such an audacious move with music to ensure the rights of artists are protected. The problem with this though is that, these things seldom stick. In even worse cases, COSON has been lax at its job of collection.
