Public Affairs

Defending the full value of sound

Panorama takes a stand on issues affecting the rights and interests of the independent music production sector.

As a member of Re:Sound and, by extension, the Canadian Private Copying Collective (CPCC), the Canadian Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CCDE), and MetaMusic, Panorama actively engages in discussions related to tariffs, the review of legislative and regulatory frameworks, and any other matters affecting the rights and interests of producers.

Despite the occasional adjustments made to the Canadian Copyright Act since its last revision in 2012, a thorough overhaul is still awaited by all sectors of the industry. Since the last revision, the Act has been the subject of repeated criticism, both nationally and internationally. Music industry organizations and creators continue to call on the government to make the necessary changes without delay.

Here are the demands of the Canadian independent music production sector.

01

Eliminate the $1.25 million revenue exemption for commercial radio stations

  • In 1997, when the Equitable Remuneration regime was first implemented in Canada, an extraordinary exemption was granted to commercial radio stations so that they would not pay royalties for the public performance of sound recordings on their airwaves for the first $1.25 million of advertising revenue.
  • This exemption was the result of a political compromise in the 1990s to support the broadcasting industry, with economic justifications that are no longer valid 25 years later.
  • Commercial radio stations are the only music broadcasters to benefit from such preferential treatment.
  • Performers and copyright owners of sound recordings are the only rights holders to be penalized by this exemption in Canada, subsidizing what is now a highly profitable industry.
02

Change the definition of sound recording.

  • In Canada, performers, makers and record labels do not receive royalties when one of their sound recordings is used in a television show, film, streaming platform or other audiovisual content. However, this right exists in many countries, and even in Canada, but only for songwriters.
  • The definition of sound recording in the Act needs to be amended so that performers, makers and record labels can receive fair and equitable remuneration when their sound recordings are used in film, television or other audiovisual content.
03

Updating the Private Copying regime to maintain its technological neutrality.

  • Today, music streaming has transformed the consumption habits of most Canadians, as it has everywhere else in the world. However, the practice of private copying - making copies of one's music collection for personal use anytime, anywhere - remains commonplace, especially in the absence of an Internet connection.
  • Currently, the private copying levy only applies to blank CDs, a medium that has been in decline for over fifteen years.
  • Updating the Copyright Act to ensure technological neutrality would better reflect contemporary usage. Applying a moderate royalty to music storage devices, such as phones and tablets, could generate significant financial support for creators.