Music Business News: North America

BMI claims ‘highest royalty distributions of any music rights org’ as it pays out $1.196bn to songwriters and publishers

The US-based performance rights organization collected a record $1.283bn

Spotify takes another step beyond music with hire of ex-CBS News President

David Rhodes hired as original news content consultant

‘They lead the best A&R team in the industry’: David Gray and Walter Jones named Co-Heads, A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group

Jody Gerson praises "accomplished A&R executives who have helped develop some of the brightest creative talent"

Rodney Shealey named EVP at Def Jam Recordings, as Theda Sandiford steps up to SVP role

“Rodney and Theda are seasoned, veteran leaders who have earned the respect of their colleagues throughout Def Jam, UMG, and the industry at large."

Apple wanted to improve songwriter pay to $0.00091 per stream. Spotify and Google weren’t keen.

Historical filings show why Spotify believes "lower royalty rates are critical" to the service's future

Nick Holmstén out as Spotify’s Head Of Music – but who’ll replace him?

Could Jeremy Erlich or Marian Dicus step up into the role?

UMPG appoints Stephen J. Dallas as SVP, Business & Legal Affairs and Digital Business Development

He previously served as Vice President, Digital Legal Affairs & Business Development at Warner Chappell Music

Kobalt promotes Dominique Keegan to Vice President, Creative

He was previously Senior Director, Creative