TORONTO, December 17, 2013 – The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. (CMRRA) has concluded its discussions regarding the integration of its operations with those of fellow societies SOCAN and SODRAC and has decided not to proceed with a formal alliance. The announcement was made by CMRRA Chair Gary Furniss.
“CMRRA’s Board of Directors and management considered the potential benefits of forming an alliance with SOCAN and SODRAC, including potential cost savings” Mr. Furniss said, “and weighed them against the complex governance and other issues that would have to be resolved in a new arrangement. Every aspect of every issue was examined at great length and we concluded that the proposed alliance was not going to be a workable solution to the challenges we face in this rapidly evolving business.”
Mr. Furniss expressed his and the Board of Directors’ thanks to CMRRA management for their efforts. He also thanked SOCAN and SODRAC for their participation and goodwill in the exploration of a possible alliance.
“CMRRA will continue to offer music publishers and copyright owners effective and affordable services in the licensing of their reproduction rights,” said CMRRA President Caroline Rioux. “Neither our mandate, our mission, nor our fundamental sense of dedication to the interests of our clients has changed.”
Ms. Rioux added that CMRRA and SODRAC continue to collaborate through their joint venture, CMRRA-SODRAC Inc. (CSI), which licenses their combined repertoire to online music services, satellite radio services, and commercial radio stations, and that both collectives often work cooperatively with SOCAN on a variety of matters. “Those collaborations have benefitted rights holders and users alike,” said Ms. Rioux. “We look forward to continuing to work with SOCAN and SODRAC, and with other Canadian copyright collectives, to continue streamlining the licensing process while ensuring that music publishers and copyright owners are compensated fairly for the use of their music.”
Founded in 1975, CMRRA is Canada’s largest music licensing agency. On behalf of the majority of music publishers and copyright owners doing business in Canada, CMRRA licenses the reproduction of songs in their repertoires on CD, via Internet distribution, and through various other means.
For further information, please contact Caroline Rioux at (416) 926-1966 x 234.
