Widespread noncompliance with music copyright licensing requirements in Antigua and Barbuda is depriving local musicians and other creatives of royalties, with only three entities in the country consistently paying for the right to use copyrighted music.
That is according to Martin James, Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc., who has raised serious concerns about the country’s failure to adequately protect and compensate its creative talent.
In an interview with Observer Media, James said that only one radio station, a cable company and a hotel have consistently maintained copyright licences with ECCO, despite the widespread use of music by broadcasters, businesses and event organisers.
