Judges mull partial payout of 2023 cable royalty funds
Published Date: 8/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Copyright Royalty Judges solicit comments on a motion of Allocation Phase Parties for partial distribution of 2023 cable royalty funds.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Partial 40% Royalty Distribution Motion
The Copyright Royalty Judges received a motion on August 5, 2026, asking for a partial distribution of 40% of the 2023 cable royalty funds that are on deposit. The Judges are asking for public comments on that motion, with comments due on or before September 16, 2026.
Deadline to Object — Sept 16, 2026
If you are a claimant who objects to the proposed partial distribution, you must file any objections by the end of the comment period on September 16, 2026. The Judges will not consider objections that arrive after that date.
Who the Allocation Parties Are
The notice identifies the Allocation Phase Parties as Program Suppliers, Joint Sports Claimants, Public Television Claimants, Commercial Television Claimants, Devotional Claimants, the Canadian Claimants Group, National Public Radio, and Music Claimants (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; SESAC Performing Rights, LLC; and Broadcast Music, Inc.). The Judges state they have not determined the final universe of claimant categories for 2023 royalties.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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).
2026-16710, 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.
2026-16709, 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).
2026-13996, 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.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16706, Order Under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act Continuing the Suspension of the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces it is issuing an Order under Section 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, and associated implementing regulations, continuing the suspension of the right to introduce certain persons from countries where an outbreak of a quarantinable communicable disease exists. This Order was issued on August 12, 2026, and shall remain in effect through 4:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Friday, September 11, 2026. This Order may be amended or rescinded prior to that time at the discretion of the Director.
Next: 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).