DIMA Digest: April 2025
May 12, 2025 | DIMA Digest Newsletter
1. DIMA Comments on US Copyright Office PRO Notice of Inquiry
DIMA submitted comments to the United States Copyright Office in response to the Copyright Office’s Notice of Inquiry related to performing rights organizations (PROs). The inquiry focuses on two main issues: the proliferation of PROs and challenges related to the collection and distribution of ‘general licensing revenue.’ In our comments, we focused on the challenges we face in the PRO system. We emphasized that any review of the music licensing and operations landscape must prioritize transparency, clarity, and certainty for those paying and receiving music royalties. We also emphasized that the proliferation of PROs has imposed unnecessary financial and administrative costs on all licensees, including our members. We were able to provide information on our members’ experiences licensing public performance rights and the interconnected nature of challenges in the licensing system. DIMA’s members are committed to improving how music licensing works: a more efficient system means lower costs and fewer delays for streaming services, more royalties for music creators, and a better experience for fans.
- Spotify on superfan plans: ‘We do need the partners to come to the table’ | MusicAlly
- Ole Obermann and Rachel Newman named Co-Heads, Apple Music | Music Buisiness Worldwide
- In Canada: Battle Over Streaming Tax Heats Up as Music Canada Enters the Ring | Billboard
- A Comprehensive Guide to Comments Submitted in the Copyright Office’s Notice of Inquiry Regarding U.S. PROs | Billboard
- Fitness Apps Were Supposed to Be a Boon for the Music Business. Then the Pandemic Ended | Billboard
- Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers Revealed | Billboard
2. National Recording Registry Playlists and Press Release
We applaud the artists, songwriters, and composers of the Class of 2025 Inductees into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Each year, the National Recording Registry selects, with public input, a range of works representative of the nation’s diverse cultural and historical recorded sound heritage to be preserved within the Library of Congress’s sound collection. The class of 2025 inductees, comprising 25 recordings spanning over 100 years of American history, includes “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy, “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and albums Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman, and Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
In honor of the Class of 2025 inductees, DIMA created exclusive playlists on member company services, celebrating this year’s honorees. Click below for the links to enjoy the playlist on your favorite streaming service:
3. DIMA’s Ongoing Work on AI
DIMA continues to be active in the AI space. In April, DIMA’s President and CEO, Graham Davies, released the following statement in response to the introduction of the NO FAKES Act:
“We appreciate the hard work of Senators Coons, Blackburn, Tillis, and Klobuchar, and Representatives Salazar and Dean, on the NO FAKES Act. While progress has been made on certain areas of this important bill, further work is needed to achieve workable federal digital replica legislation. DIMA has consistently expressed a willingness to support and contribute to this process, and we look forward to the opportunity to help strengthen and further improve the bill for all stakeholders.”
DIMA also wrote a letter to Charles Schwertner, Chair of the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee. In the letter, we shared our perspective on AI and likeness rights in the context of the Business and Commerce Committee’s hearing on S.B. No. 1960. We made it clear that while DIMA agrees that the underlying topic of AI, voice, and likeness deserve careful and thorough consideration, and we support a federal digital replica right, we have significant concerns with the bill in its current form.
4. DIMA Shares Insight on Peruvian Legislation on Artists & Artistic Activities
DIMA offered comments on the substitute text of the new law on artists and the promotion of artistic activities in Peru, specifically regarding the substitute text of the New Law on Artists and the Promotion of Artistic Activities, which is currently under debate in the Committee on Culture and Cultural Heritage. In these comments, we noted our deep appreciation for the efforts of the Peruvian Congress to promote initiatives that strengthen the country’s cultural sector. The importance of this bill’s underlying goal is undeniable, as it seeks to improve the tools and regulations that advance the recognition and dignity of artists, creators, workers, and all those involved in cultural ecosystems. After analyzing the bill proposal, DIMA presented observations and recommendations to ensure that the bill avoids potential negative impacts on the music industry, highlighting the critical role that streaming services play in the Peruvian music industry.
5. Music Biz 2025
DIMA is excited to attend and participate in the 2025 Music Biz Conference. This conference will give key stakeholders the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the state of the music industry. DIMA is looking forward to facilitating conversations about policies and regulations from around the world and discussing their impact on the music industry.
During the conference, DIMA will be hosting a meet-up for DIMA members. If you’re a DIMA member, reach out for details!
Additionally, DIMA will host our second annual Summer Members Meeting in New York City this June. During the meeting, we will host an industry-wide Fireside Chat, so keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks.