The EU is about to extend the duration of the copyright for music from 50 to 70 years.
That means recordings (not the music, only the original tapes and records) of the Beatles, Elvis, etc. will generate revenue for another 20 years. Who gets that revenue? The “Big Four”: EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music (72%). Then 24% goes to rich, already established artists like The Rolling Stones, which make up about 20% of all artists. The rest (80%) get 4%.
Revolutions don’t start because people are hungry, they start because there is enough for everyone but most people are starving and they are fed up with a greedy few.
Source:
- Brüssel stellt die Weichen für längeren Schutz von Tonaufnahmen
- Statement by experts in the field (PDF)
Tagged: Beatles, Copyright, Elvis Presley, EMI, Sony Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music, Warner Music Group
