Post 3: Regulation in the music industry

Research into regulations concerning the music industry

Copyright rules in the UK

In the UK, music is subject to copyright laws which protect the property of artists and songwriters. This is under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988, which results in you owning your own rights to your work up to 70 years after death. This is achieved through the artist creating their song in a tangible format, e.g. writing down the song lyrics, recording a demo/music video, and is automatically copyrighted. However, royalties cannot be earnt without joining a collection society. The PRS (Performing Rights Society) is one of these, and are responsible for collecting royalties from copyrighted music. Once signed, they pay the owner of the song with the royalties from radio stations, shows etc. People who are not the owner of the song are not allowed to use even 1 second of the music without a license, resulting in an infringement.


YouTube's ruling on copyright

If a song is used not owned by the channel, the ads will appear on the video, with revenues going to the rightful owner. The song may be used however if it falls under fair use, which consists of the music being used for parody, teaching, review and formats of this nature. This results in music circulation for UK audiences being primarily from the main owner, with extra content around the song being created by 3rd parties.

YouTube as a free content provider without restriction has also faced issues due to sexualised music videos. In a survey of some 1,500 website members, most (82%) said their children had repeated sexual lyrics without knowing their meaning. And three-quarters said they tried to stop children watching music videos.

Illegal streaming 

More than one-third of global music listeners are still pirating music, according to a new report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). While the massive rise in legal streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal was thought to have stemmed illegal consumption, 38% of listeners continue to acquire music through illegal means.

Regulation issues in my project

My project had a few key factors to consider; no drinking or violence, as the target audience includes 16 year old's. For me the no drinking alcohol changed my initial plan, which first included a party scene. However in order to appeal to and be appropriate for the target audience, I had to change this plan.

Also in order to avoid the issues raised with YouTube's age restriction, as well as to appeal to my target audience, I was age appropriate to the youngest 16 year old section of my target audience.