YouTube in licensing bust-up

YouTube has come to blows with the Performing Rights Society (PRS) in a row over a licensing deal. The PRS is collecting money for artists and performers whose 'premium' music videos have found their way on to the popular video sharing website. YouTube claims the PRS is asking for far too much money, while the collection agency insists that YouTube is reliant on the content. 'PRS is now asking us to pay many, many times more for our license than before,' complained YouTube's negotiator Patrick Walker. He added: 'The costs are simply prohibitive for us - under PRS's proposed terms we would lose significant amounts of money with every playback.' As a response, Youtube has this week blocked tracks with 'premium' video content from UK users. The case echoes that of music streaming service Pandora, which ceased its own operations in the UK last year after a breakdown in licence negotiations.

Source: http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=conWebDoc.24909