Indie College Radios Hit with Inflation Royalty Bump
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, certain noncommercial college and university radio stations not linked to NPR will pay a slightly higher royalty fee for playing music from SESAC and GMR catalogs. This increase matches the cost of living rise or a minimum 1.5% bump, whichever is higher. The new rates kick in on November 28, 2025, and apply through the end of 2026, helping keep royalty payments fair and up-to-date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
College/University Radio Royalty Hike
If you run a noncommercial college or university radio station that is not affiliated with NPR, the per-station royalty for playing music from SESAC and GMR rises from $199 to $205 for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The rule is effective November 28, 2025 and the adjusted $205 rate is listed in 37 CFR 381.5 for 2026.
Annual COLA Formula for Royalty Rates
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to these royalty rates is the greater of the CPI-U percent change over the specified period or 1.5%, rounded to the nearest dollar. For the 2026 calendar year the Judges announced a CPI-U change of 2.9%, which produced the 2026 adjusted rate when applied to the 2025 $199 rate.
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