Records Get Pricier: Royalties Rise with Living Costs

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.

2026-04627 — Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (NSS V)

Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription services that play music as part of cable or satellite TV bundles will follow fresh rules on how much they pay for digital music performances and temporary copies. These rules, effective through 2030, set clear rates and terms agreed upon by major music and service players, making sure artists and rights holders get fair pay. If you’re a streaming service or music rights owner, these changes mean smoother, fairer payments for the next five years.

2026-04633 — 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, certain public radio stations will follow new rules for paying royalties when they play music online and make temporary copies to do so. These rules, agreed upon by major players like NPR and SoundExchange, set clear rates and terms through 2030, helping everyone know what to expect. The changes kick in March 10, 2026, and could affect how much stations pay for digital music performances.

2026-04631 — 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, 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.

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.

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.

Previous: 2025-21694 — Cost of Living Adjustment to Satellite Carrier Compulsory License Royalty Rates

Starting January 1, 2026, satellite TV companies will pay 2.9% more in royalty fees for the shows they retransmit, thanks to a cost of living boost. This change affects satellite carriers and helps keep payments fair as prices rise. The new rates kick in for all of 2026, making sure creators get their due while satellite services keep rolling.

Next: 2025-21713 — Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR); Special Contracting Methods; Options; Contracts; Withdrawal

The EPA is pulling back a new contracting rule it tried to put in place because people didn’t like it. This means the changes about special contract options won’t happen for now, affecting contractors and EPA buyers. The withdrawal takes effect December 2, 2025, so everyone should keep using the old rules until further notice.