Read more
YouTube Removes Music by Adele, Nirvana, and More Due to SESAC Dispute
YouTube and YouTube Music have temporarily removed several popular songs, including hits by artists like Adele, Nirvana, Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Green Day, Kanye West, and Burna Boy. This change comes as YouTube negotiates a new licensing agreement with SESAC, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers.
What Happened to the Music?
On September 29, 2024, users attempting to play these songs were greeted with a message indicating that the video was unavailable due to content restrictions from SESAC. This abrupt removal has left many fans wondering about the status of their favorite tracks and when they might return.
Understanding SESAC
SESAC, established in 1930, is a performing rights organization that manages licensing for over 1.5 million songs on behalf of more than 15,000 affiliated songwriters and music publishers. While SESAC is smaller than its counterparts, BMI and ASCAP, it represents a significant roster of well-known artists. The organization was acquired by Blackstone, a private equity firm, in 2017.
When Will the Music Return?
The timeline for resolving the SESAC dispute remains unclear. While SESAC provides a searchable database for its catalog, not all songs listed have been removed, and the impact varies by track. For instance, Kanye West's "Power" is currently blocked, but the music video version is still available.
YouTube spokesperson Mariana de Felice stated, "We have held good faith negotiations with SESAC to renew our existing deal. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration." YouTube is actively working to finalize a new deal, emphasizing its commitment to copyright.
According to a source cited by Variety, some believe the situation may be a negotiating tactic, as the previous agreement reportedly does not expire until next week.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation, and check back to see if your favorite songs return to YouTube and YouTube Music soon.
0 Reviews