Foxtel and Universal Music end nine-month blackout, announce new royalties deal
Universal Music Australia has announced it will end its blackout on Foxtel’s music channels by announcing the two companies had reached a new deal over royalties.
The deal ends a nine-month blackout on music clips from major artists such as Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and 5 Seconds of Summer being shown on Foxtel’s music channels Channel V, V Hits, CMC, Max and Smooth.
Brian Walsh, Foxtel executive director of television, said: “We are very pleased to achieve this landmark deal with Universal Music and my thanks to George Ash and his team for working to a satisfactory resolution. The finalisation of this deal sets us up to revitalise our full suite of music channels, moving forward.
George Ash, president of Universal Music Asia Pacific, said: “We are thrilled to continue our great partnership with Foxtel, and we’re looking forward to working with Brian Walsh and his fantastic team to bring exceptional new music to all Foxtel subscribers.”
Foxtel announced in November of 2015 that there would be a blackout on Universal’s talent after the two companies were unable to come to terms on the royalties payable.
The move put Foxtel in a difficult position with Universal and EMI artists making up more than half of the top 40.
I can remember the Mexican standoff starting, but didn’t realise that it had gone on so long.
Music video channels are so irrelevant these days that I don’t even think the viewers noticed.
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