Australia Music Licensing Update

On May 17, 2010, the Copyright Tribunal of Australia ruled in favor of significantly increased music licensing fees, as requested by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA). To avoid paying hefty fees, fitness facilities and group fitness instructors could opt to play royalty-free music. However, on appeal from Fitness Australia, the Federal Court recently overturned that ruling. “We are of the opinion that the Tribunal did conduct itself in a way which was procedurally unfair to Fitness Australia,” stated the Federal Court. Despite the overturn, Fitness Australia is cautious, as the PPCA has applied to have the Federal Court’s ruling appealed to the High Court of Australia (www.fitness.org.au/4986_98215015.html). For more information on music licensing, read “Music Licensing Mayhem: How Will Fees Affect YOU?” in the February 2011 issue of IDEA Fitness Journal.