FACEBOOK INKS THREE MORE MUSIC DEALS

Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights, Kobalt Music Publishing and HFA/Rumblefish have struck music licensing deals with Facebook. The deals follow ones inked by Sony/TV and Universal Music Group.

“Our partnership with Facebook reflects that when music is valued properly, it’s easy for both sides to view it as a win-win,” Azoff said in a statement about GMR’s first user-generated content deal. As a PRO, Global Music Rights represents Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Drake, Bruce Springsteen and others.

The deal opens the door for Facebook, Instagram and Oculus users to upload and share videos with music that allow publishers and songwriters to receive compensation. Facebook announced the deals in a blog post.

“Rumblefish will also help Facebook optimize the identification and clearance of musical works through an innovative data-sharing agreement,” said Scott Sellwood, Head of Commercial Music Publishing Partnerships at Facebook. “This partnership with HFA/Rumblefish and an opt-in for independent publishers opens as of today.”

NMPA President/CEO David Israelite praised the social media platform for its “willingness to recognize the economic contribution of songwriters as well as its effort to create a system that properly streamlines payments moving forward. Other digital services should take note and follow suit.” Wonder who he had in mind?