Streaming Royalty Fees To Increase

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and SoundExchange have reached a tentative agreement on royalty rates for commercial radio stations simulcasting online, pending approval by the Copyright Royalty Board. The deal, covering January 2026 to December 2030, increases rates by 28% by 2030. 

Negotiations, ongoing since January 2024, determine streaming royalties for over 700,000 creators.

Under the Web VI proceeding filing, streaming rates for non-interactive commercial webcasts, like radio simulcasts, will rise from $0.25 per 100 performances to $0.28 in 2026, reaching $0.32 by 2030 with annual increments. The NAB sought lower rates, while SoundExchange pushed for higher increases, making the agreement a compromise.

Minimum station payments will increase 25%, from $1,000 in 2026 to $1,250 by 2030. The deal shortens the monthly payment cycle from 45 to 30 days, lowers late fees found in audits from 1.5% to 1% per month, and caps audit-related late fees at 75% of the owed amount. SoundExchange can use proxy data for royalties if broadcasters fail to provide usage reports.

Starting 2027, broadcasters using third-party vendors for streaming or reporting must secure ongoing data for royalty verification or ensure vendors provide data during audits, which SoundExchange conducts annually.