Music News 11/17/11

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) are offering independent music publishers, whether or not affiliated with HFA, the opportunity to opt into a direct license agreement with YouTube by going to www.youtubelicenseoffer.com. Publishers can opt in to the agreement from today (11/17) through Jan. 16, 2012.

Earlier this year the NMPA, HFA and YouTube concluded a landmark agreement whereby independent music publishers may grant the rights necessary for the synchronization of their musical works with certain videos posted by YouTube users. HFA will administer these direct license agreements between YouTube and publishers, and royalties will be based on advertising revenue collected worldwide by YouTube from ads placed alongside user-generated videos.

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Pictured (L-R): Merril Wasserman, EVP Business Development of Kobalt; John Rich; Whitney Daane; and Charlie Pennachio

Kobalt Music Publishing’s Nashville office recently celebrated the signing of an exclusive administration deal with hitmaking artist/songwriter/producer John Rich. Under terms of the agreement, Kobalt will represent all new and previously released works in his Godfather Rich Muzik and Program 360 catalogs throughout the world. The company will also provide synchronization services.

Rich and Charlie Pennachio began Program 360 to sign and develop artist/writers, it is home to works by Rich and writers Billy Lawson, Gabe Garcia, Tammy Hyler, Andy Gibson, Trevor Rosen, Shanna Crooks, Shannon Lawson, Marsha Hancock and Columbia artist Bradley Gaskin. Godfather Rich Muzik recently received its first No. 1 ASCAP award for the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson hit, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”