Internet radio company Pandora Media, already suing performing-rights organization ASCAP over song-licensing rates, was taken to court by ASCAP’s largest competitor, which is seeking higher fees.
Broadcast Music Inc. said in a filing yesterday in Manhattan federal court that it proposed a “reasonable” blanket royalty rate for songs played on Pandora, the largest Internet radio service, and was rejected. BMI didn’t specify the proposed royalty in the filing.
“BMI has proposed an increase in Pandora’s fees consistent with market rates to reflect the explosive growth of the Internet streaming marketplace,” New York-based BMI said in its complaint.