Copyright Board Targets SiriusXM, Pandora for Royalty Audits
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Copyright Royalty Board is planning to audit 10 media companies, including SiriusXM and Pandora, to check their royalty payments for 2022, 2023, and 2024. These companies must make sure their digital music use fees are accurate and up to date. The audits could affect how much money they owe or get back, so everyone should pay close attention!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Ten Media Licensees Selected for Audit
On December 12, 2025, SoundExchange filed notices to audit the statements of account submitted by ten licensees — Cox Media Group, Hope Media Group, Pandora Media LLC, Saga Communications Inc., SomaFM.com, LLC, Townsquare Media, Z Ministries, Inc., Mood Media, Music Choice, and SiriusXM — for calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Copyright Royalty Judges published notice in the Federal Register on December 23, 2025.
Licenses Require Royalty Payment and Compliance
The notice reiterates that licensees operating under sections 112 and/or 114 of title 17 may operate under those statutory licenses only if they pay the royalty fees and comply with the terms set by the Copyright Royalty Judges; the rates and terms are codified in 37 CFR parts 380 and 382–84.
Audits Limited to Once Per Year
Under the rules cited, as the Collective SoundExchange may conduct an audit of a licensee only once a year and the audit may cover any or all of the prior three calendar years to verify royalty payments. That annual limit on audit frequency is an explicit term in 37 CFR provisions referenced in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16710, Distribution of Satellite Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges solicit comments on a motion of Allocation Phase Parties for partial distribution of 2023 satellite royalty funds.
2026-16708, Distribution of Cable Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) announce the commencement of proceedings to determine distribution of 2023 royalties deposited with the Copyright Office under the cable service statutory license. The Judges also set the date by which all parties wishing to participate and share in the distribution of cable retransmission royalties for 2023 must file Petitions to Participate and pay the accompanying $150 filing fee. The Judges seek a single Petition to Participate in either or both the allocation phase and distribution phase of the cable royalty proceeding. Any party that fails to file a petition to participate by the time set forth in this notice shall not be a participant at any stage of the proceeding, unless the Judges accept a late petition to participate pursuant to 37 CFR 351.1(d).
2026-16709, Distribution of Satellite Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) announce the commencement of proceedings to determine distribution of 2023 royalties deposited with the Copyright Office under the satellite carrier license. The Judges also set the date by which all parties wishing to participate and share in the distribution of satellite retransmission royalties for 2023, must file Petitions to Participate and pay the accompanying $150 filing fee. The Judges seek a single Petition to Participate in either or both the allocation phase and the distribution phase of the satellite royalty proceeding. Any party that fails to file a petition to participate by the time set forth in this notice shall not be a participant at any stage of either proceeding, unless the Judges accept a late petition to participate pursuant to 37 CFR 351.1(d).
2026-16707, Distribution of 2023 Cable Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Board is asking for comments on how to share the 2023 cable royalty money among creators whose work was shown on cable TV. This affects artists, producers, and other rights holders waiting for their share of the cash. Comments must be sent by September 16, 2026, so the Board can decide on partial payments while sorting out any disagreements.
2026-13996, Determination of Rates and Terms for Making and Distributing Phonorecords (Phonorecords V)
Starting in 2028, new rules will set how much music makers pay to copy and share songs on CDs, vinyl, and digital formats until 2032. Musicians, record companies, and streaming services will all feel the impact as royalty rates and terms get updated. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until August 10, 2026, to send in your comments!
2026-06055, Adjustment to Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Ephemeral Recordings To Facilitate Those Performances License 2026 Royalty Rates
Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription music services will pay slightly higher royalties for playing songs online, thanks to a cost-of-living update. These changes, effective through 2030, adjust fees based on inflation to keep payments fair for artists and rights holders. If you run or use these services, expect a small bump in what you pay or earn starting March 30, 2026.
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