BBC and AIM: Kind of a Big Deal

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has inked a historic deal with the BBC and BBC Worldwide that means its members will no longer need to negotiate with the broadcasters on a case-by-case basis to license recordings of live performances.

The new model will result in labels being able to use BBC content for TV sales, streaming and downloads, sync licensing alongside physical audio and DVD releases under a single licensing structure.

AIM CEO Alison Wenham said: “The new agreement now means that we have in place a commercial licensing framework with the BBC that is free from red tape, user-friendly, transparent and fair, and which will allow AIM members to exploit both new and archive material across all physical and digital platforms”.

Director of BBC Music Bob Shennan added: “The BBC is very proud of this deal which illustrates the BBC’s commitment to working creatively with the music industry”.

As Wenham alludes to above, the agreement will cover live sessions and recordings on the BBC’s TV, radio and online platforms and applies retrospectively to all recordings.

In other AIM news, the trade association recently revealed that Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tracey Thorn and Krissi Murison are amongst the speakers at its ‘Women in Music and Entertainment’ event on 9th June in London, find out more here.

AIM has also announced that entries for its 2014 Independent Music Awards are open, with categories including Independent Breakthrough of the Year, the Pioneer Award and the Golden Welly Award for Best Independent Festival. The deadline for entries is May 30th and find out more here.