Public TV Copyright Cash: Join for Just $150 Fee
Published Date: 12/31/2025
Notice
Summary
The Copyright Royalty Board is starting a process to set fair rates and rules for how public broadcasters use copyrighted works from 2028 to 2032. Anyone interested in joining this decision must file a petition and pay a $150 fee by January 30, 2026. This affects public broadcasting groups and creators, shaping how money flows for using creative content over the next five years.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Rates for Public Broadcasting Set (2028–2032)
A formal proceeding has begun to set reasonable rates and terms for the use of certain copyrighted works by public broadcasting entities for the period January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2032. The proceeding is open to parties with a significant interest who follow the Judges' participation rules.
Petition Fee and Filing Deadline
Parties who wish to participate must file a Petition to Participate and pay a $150 filing fee by January 30, 2026. The petition must be completed and filed using the Copyright Royalty Board's eCRB online form (do not upload a petition document).
Representation Rules for Participants
Only attorneys admitted to the bar in one or more states or the District of Columbia and members in good standing may represent parties before the Copyright Royalty Judges; an individual may represent themselves without counsel. Organizations seeking representation will therefore generally need an eligible attorney to appear on their behalf.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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).
2026-16708, 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).
2026-16707, Distribution of 2023 Cable Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges solicit comments on a motion of Allocation Phase Parties for partial distribution of 2023 cable royalty funds.
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.
2026-13996, 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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