Section 118 of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C., creates a compulsory license for the use of published nondramatic musical works and published pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works in connection with noncommercial broadcasting. Terms and rates for this compulsory license, applicable to parties who are not subject to privately negotiated licenses, are published in 37 CFR part 253 and are subject to adjustment at five-year intervals. 17 U.S.C. 118(c).
The most recent proceeding to consider the terms and rates for the section 118 license occurred in 2002. 67 FR 15414 (April 1, 2002). Final regulations governing the terms and rates of copyright royalty payments with respect to certain uses by public broadcasting entities of published nondramatic musical works, and published pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works for the license period beginning January 1, 2003, and ending December 31, 2007, were published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2002. 67 FR 77170 (December 17, 2002).
Pursuant to these regulations, on December 1 of each year the Librarian shall publish a notice of the change in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index (all consumers, all items) during the period from the most recent Index published prior to the previous notice, to the most recent Index published prior to December 1, of that year. 37 CFR 253.10(a). The regulations also require that the Librarian publish a revised schedule of rates for the public performance of musical compositions in the ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC repertoires by public broadcasting entities licensed to colleges and universities, reflecting the change in the Consumer Price Index. 37 CFR 253.10(b). Accordingly, the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress is hereby announcing the change in the Consumer Price Index and performing the annual cost of living adjustment to the rates set out in Sec. 253.5(c).
The change in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index (all consumers, all items) during the period from the most recent Index published before December 1, 2002, to the most recent Index published before December 1, 2003, is 2% (2002's figure was 181.3; the figure for 2003 is 185.0, based on 1982-1984=100 as a reference base). Rounding off to the nearest dollar, the royalty rates for the use of musical compositions in the repertories of ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are $254, $254, and $82, respectively.
Sec. 253.5 Performance of musical compositions by public broadcasting entities
licensed to colleges and universities.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) For all such compositions in the repertory of ASCAP, $254
annually.
(2) For all such compositions in the repertory of BMI, $254
annually.
(3) For all such compositions in the repertory of SESAC, $82
annually.
* * * * *
Dated: November 21, 2003.
Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights.
James H. Billington, The Librarian of Congress.