The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the organisation that represents the interests of the global independent music community, has welcomed the new Code of Conduct for the French Music Industry.
The Code is based on the WIN Fair Digital Deals Declaration, which was launched in July 2014.
This voluntary agreement brings together organisations representing French record companies, unions, recording artists, performers, online music services and others.
They will work together to help foster a sustainable music industry, encourage diversity and innovation, clarity on revenue distribution and a fair value for music recordings.
Marc Schwartz, who was appointed in May 2015 by Fleur Pellerin, French Minister of Culture, to oversee discussions on the development of the online music business between producers, performers and digital platforms, led the negotiations.
The agreement was signed by all parties in Paris, in the presence of the Minister on Friday 2nd October.
The 5 key points of the WIN Fair Digital Deals Declaration are as follows:
- We will ensure that artists’ share of download and streaming revenues is clearly explained in recording agreements and royalty statements in reasonable summary form.
- We will account to artists a good-faith pro-rata share of any revenues and other compensation from digital services that stem from the monetization of recordings but are not attributed to specific recordings or performances
- We will encourage better standards of information from digital services on the usage and monetisation of music
- We will support artists who choose to oppose, including publicly, unauthorized uses of their music.
- We will support the collective position of the global independent record company sector as outlined in the Global Independent Manifesto.
Alison Wenham, Chairman of WIN said, “As I have said on many occasions throughout this process of implementing the Fair Digital Deals Declaration around the world over the last year, a healthy commercial relationship based on mutual trust and partnership between artists and labels is critical to the long term financial health of our industry.
“The French music industry has shown great vision in embracing this initiative and I applaud them for it. The constructive and fruitful discussions between artists and the industry mediated by Marc Schwartz and the office of Fleur Pellerin are a shining example for others to follow.”
Paul Pacifico, President of the International Artist Organisation (IAO) said, “It is extremely positive to see the French government lead an initiative to foster the sense of partnership and trust between all parts of the music industry that the WIN Fair Digital Deals Declaration pioneered between Independent labels and artists.
“The IAO calls on all parties to the agreement to implement it in good faith. If we are to have a strong, creative commercial and cultural sector in Europe, the internet must be fair to all participants.”
Jerome Roger, Director General of the French Union of Phonographic Producers (UPFI), said, “After many months of negotiations it is extremely gratifying to see an agreement in place that will see French featured artists and record companies working together in a transparent manner towards fair deals in the digital environment.
“We have demonstrated that by sitting down and discussing these hugely important issues we can reach an agreement that benefits everyone involved. We should all be very proud of that.”
[Pictured: Marc Schwartz and Fleur Pellerin, French Minister of Culture, at the signing of the agreement on Friday]Music Business Worldwide
