Broadcasters will be obliged to pay for use of foreign music

The legal entities that broadcast foreign music will be obliged to enter into agreement with the National Association Copyright, which is entitled to represent the authors’ rights and neighbouring rights of a number of international companies like BMG, Sony Music and Universal. The president of Copyright, composer Liviu Stirbu, told a news conference on Monday that although the domestic laws do protect the performing rights, broadcasters and GSM operator often violate these laws, by avoiding to pay the authors, performers and publishers for the use of their music. Director General of BMG Russia, Alexei Shevcenko, stated that the company has never received royalties for broadcasting of music belonging to BMG in Moldovan air. Shevcenko expressed his hope that the National Association Copyright will solve this problem. Earlier, the Association Copyright addressed letters to TV and radio stations, distributors of audio and video production, recommending them to sign specific contracts. Liviu Stirbu mentioned that the Association doesn’t want to bring the unlicensed users to court, and counts on their understanding, hoping for a mutually advantageous partnership. Otherwise, the unauthorised users risk being penalised under civil, administrative and criminal laws. The authorities responsible for the safeguarding authors’ rights and neighbouring rights are the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Broadcasting Coordination Council and the State Agency for Intellectual Property.