Full Breakdown
Campaign for Fairer Royalties in the UK Music Sector
4/16/2026, 7:49:56 PM
Overview of the Campaign
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has initiated a campaign titled 'Set The Record Straight' aimed at addressing concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of licensing fees charged by PRS For Music. This campaign has garnered support from the Council of Music Makers (CMM), as both organizations highlight the financial burdens faced by artists and grassroots venues due to alleged discrepancies in PRS's billing practices.
Core Issues with PRS For Music
MVT claims to have identified over £666,000 in discrepancies related to PRS licensing charges across various venues in England, Scotland, and Wales. Notably, one venue faced a £90,000 error that could have led to its permanent closure. The MVT argues that PRS's billing often relies on estimated rather than actual usage, leading to inflated charges based on maximum capacity rather than real attendance. Gareth Kelly, MVT’s Rights Management Specialist, emphasized the need for accurate calculations and fair application of fees, stating, “The issue is whether those fees are being calculated accurately, applied fairly and charged to the right party.”
Support from the Council of Music Makers
The CMM has echoed MVT's calls for improvements, asserting the importance of songwriters in the live music ecosystem. They reject any proposals to reduce licensing fees, arguing that such actions would harm the income of songwriters and composers. The CMM has committed to working with PRS to enhance the accuracy and transparency of royalty distributions, emphasizing that “PRS income is vital for grassroots venues and songwriters.”
Criticism of PRS's Response
In response to the campaign, PRS defended its practices, stating that it relies on data provided by venues for licensing calculations. They acknowledged ongoing investments in improving data collection methods, including the use of AI tools to enhance accuracy. However, MVT CEO Mark Davyd criticized PRS's defense, asserting that the pushback against the campaign fails to engage with the core issues of accuracy and data integrity. He clarified that the campaign does not seek to reduce songwriter royalties but aims to ensure that the correct songwriters are compensated.
Voices from the Ground
Local venue operators and artists have expressed frustration with PRS's handling of royalties. Dylan Clarke, a booker at The Brook in Southampton, reported significant challenges in invoicing and communication with PRS, leading to confusion over unclaimed funds. He estimated that between March 2022 and June 2025, approximately £14,000 of unclaimed money could be attributed to artists. Similarly, musician Sam Duckworth highlighted issues with payments being misallocated to publishers he is not signed to, indicating systemic problems within PRS's processes.
Broader Implications for the Music Industry
The campaign comes at a critical time, as the UK music scene faces significant challenges, including the loss of 30 grassroots venues and the designation of 175 towns as "gig deserts." The CMM and MVT's advocacy for fairer practices is part of a larger movement to ensure the sustainability of live music in the UK, with potential government intervention looming if voluntary measures are not adopted by larger companies like Live Nation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The issue is whether those fees are being calculated accurately, applied fairly and charged to the right party.” — Gareth Kelly, MVT Rights Management Specialist
- “To be clear; we are not trying to reduce songwriter royalties, we are trying to ensure that the correct songwriters are paid.” — Mark Davyd, MVT CEO
- “Between March 2022 and June 2025, we estimate £14,000 of unclaimed money from artists,” — Dylan Clarke, Venue Booker
This ongoing dialogue between MVT, CMM, and PRS highlights the urgent need for reform in the UK's music royalty system, aiming to create a more equitable environment for artists and venues alike.
