Educational Media Foundation's Streaming Royalties Locked In Until 2030
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, new rules set how much Educational Media Foundation pays for playing music online and making temporary copies to do it. These rules last until the end of 2030 and come from a deal everyone agreed on, so no one objected. This means clearer costs and terms for digital music use, effective March 10, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Fixed Annual Royalties for EMF 2026–2030
Educational Media Foundation (the Licensee) must pay specified annual royalty amounts for the period 2026 through 2030: 2026 — $7,125,000.00 ($593,750.00 per month); 2027 — $7,410,000.00 ($617,500.00 per month); 2028 — $7,706,400.00 ($642,200.00 per month); 2029 — $8,014,656.00 ($667,888.00 per month); and 2030 — $8,335,242.24 ($694,603.52 per month). These amounts apply to all Eligible Transmissions and required Ephemeral Recordings for each calendar year.
Monthly Payment and Reporting Schedule
The Licensee must pay one-twelfth of the annual royalty each month on or before the fifteenth day of the month and submit a Statements of Account with each payment. The Licensee must also submit a monthly Report of Use reflecting actual total Performances by the 30th day after the end of the month. Payments must be in U.S. dollars and made by wire per the Collective's instructions.
5% Ephemeral / 95% Performance Allocation
The Collective must credit 5% of all royalty payments as payment for Ephemeral Recordings and credit the remaining 95% to section 114 performance royalties for each year during 2026–2030. Ephemeral Recordings that are necessary and commercially reasonable to make Eligible Transmissions are included in the 5%.
Distribution Rules and Three-Year Unclaimed Funds
The Collective (SoundExchange, Inc.) must promptly distribute royalties to Copyright Owners and Performers who provide necessary payee information. If the Collective cannot identify or locate a payee, it must hold the funds in a segregated trust account for three years from first distribution; after the three-year period, unclaimed funds may be applied to offset allowable costs under 17 U.S.C. 114(g)(3).
Audit Rights, Underpayment Interest, and Audit Costs
Entities entitled to payment or distribution may audit the Payor once per year covering any of the prior three calendar years. If an audit finds an underpayment, the Payor must remit the underpaid amount with interest at the rate in Sec. 380.2(d). The verifying entity pays audit costs unless the auditor finds a net underpayment of 10% or more, in which case the Payor must pay reasonable verification costs in addition to the underpayment.
Confidentiality Protections for Statements of Account
Statements of Account and related information may be designated Confidential Information. The Collective may use Confidential Information only for royalty collection/distribution and must limit access to employees, auditors, counsel, and rights holders under written confidentiality agreements. Recipients must safeguard Confidential Information using a reasonable standard of care.
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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.
2026-16707, 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.
2026-16709, 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
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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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04630, Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)
Starting January 1, 2026, noncommercial educational webcasters will follow new rules for paying to play music online, lasting through 2030. These updated rates and terms come from a deal between music rights groups and college broadcasters, making sure artists get fair pay while schools keep streaming. The changes kick in on March 10, 2026, so webcasters should get ready to follow the new payment rules.
Next: 2026-04632, Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)
Starting January 1, 2026, commercial broadcasters will follow new rules for paying royalties when they play music online without subscriptions. These rules set fair rates and terms for digital performances and temporary copies of songs, lasting through 2030. This means broadcasters and music rights groups like SoundExchange have a clear, agreed plan for sharing money from digital music plays.