Greater numbers of live music performances on the BBC’s shows could get a commercial release after the broadcaster signed a deal allowing its commercial arm and independent music labels to exploit content on simpler terms.
Instead of having to negotiate terms for on a case-by-case basis, today’s deal with the Association of Independent Music (AIM) establishes a licensing framework governing the use of content.
The deal paves the way for both BBC Worldwide and AIM member labels to release large amounts of new and archive live sessions and recordings on DVD and for download and streaming.
In a statement the BBC said performances could be released “soon after broadcast” and would allow the global exploitation of recordings and visual material across all platforms as well as the ‘bundling’ of assets to create compilation and anthology releases.
Bob Shennan, Director of BBC Music, said: “The BBC is very proud of this deal which illustrates the BBC’s commitment to working creatively with the music industry.”
Alison Wenham, CEO of AIM, added: “The new agreement now means that we have in place a commercial licensing framework with the BBC that is free from red tape, user-friendly, transparent and fair, and which will allow AIM members to exploit both new and archive material across all physical and digital platforms.”