The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Kickworks have signed a licensing agreement that will allow the San Francisco based start-up to create a legal digital music library for use by amateur webcasters. Under the terms of the agreement, Kickworks will have rights to the recordings by all RIAA members, and Kickworks will pay royalty fees to compensate the musicians.
The Kickworks Digital Network, set to launch at the end of the year, will be fully compliant with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) according to a company announcement. In turn, Kickworks DJs, who can be anyone, anywhere, will be able to use these recordings in broadcasts. Kickworks, like competitor Live365, enables ordinary music enthusiasts to create an online “radio” station on which they can webcast songs and conversations. Kickworks aims to create other distribution channels, such as affinity group sites and corporate sites, where the titles from the RIAA will also be made available.
Steve Marks, RIAA senior vice president, business and legal affairs says, “We enjoyed working with Kickworks’ on their innovative approach to Internet radio. It is consistent with the vision and standards of the RIAA, which exists to support and promote our members’ creative and financial vitality. We look forward to working further with Kickworks in their effort to provide an exciting radio experience.”
“The future of Internet radio is being defined today,” says Matt Hackett, CEO of Kickworks. “Kickworks blends the best of the old with the new by combining digital technology with terrestrial radio. Together with the RIAA, we aim to grow radio listenership across the Internet while protecting the intellectual property of artists.”
