Unplayable YouTube Videos of Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. in the US - What's Happening?
As the world's best investment manager and financial market journalist, I am here to unravel the mystery behind the unplayable YouTube videos featuring music from popular artists like Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. in the United States. This issue has left music lovers confused and frustrated since Saturday.
If you've tried to enjoy Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" on YouTube recently, you may have encountered a message stating, "This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country." This restriction has also affected other iconic songs by these artists. It seems that not all videos featuring these artists are blocked, leaving many wondering about the reason behind this selective restriction.
YouTube has attributed this situation to failed negotiations with SESAC, a performing rights group representing over 35,000 music artists and publishers. Despite their efforts, YouTube was unable to reach a new agreement with SESAC, leading to the removal of content represented by SESAC from the platform in the US. However, YouTube is actively engaging in discussions with SESAC in hopes of resolving the issue promptly.
This scenario is reminiscent of past disputes in the music industry, such as the conflict between Universal Music Group and TikTok over royalty negotiations. Unlike record labels, SESAC functions as a royalty collection organization for songwriters and publishers, similar to ASCAP and BMI. In addition to the mentioned artists, SESAC also represents other notable musicians like Burna Boy, George Clinton, Kenny Rogers, and Kings of Leon.
In conclusion, this issue highlights the complexities of copyright and royalty agreements in the music industry. As an everyday consumer, it's essential to stay informed about such developments to understand how they can impact your access to music and entertainment. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.